CT Scan

What is a 'CT scan'?

CT scanning or also known as CAT scanning or computer tomography, involves an X-ray tube that turns 360 degrees around the patient. Information is acquired in this fashion and this can then be reconstructed into cross-sectional images of the body.

What is a CT scan used for?

CT scanning is very useful for looking into the body without having to do a physical examination. It allows us a very very precise x-ray technique to allow us to look at various internal organs and the bones. It can help us in the diagnosis of infections or cancers.

How long has the CT scan been around?

CT scanning as a diagnostic imaging modality has been around since the early 1970's.

How does a CT scan differ from MRI?

A CT scan differs from an MRI in that CT scanning uses ionizing, or x-ray radiation. MRI scanning on the other hand doesn't use any ionizing radiation but requires that a patient be placed in a high strength magnetic field.

How does a CT scan work?

A CT scan works on the basis of passing an X-ray beam through the body in multiple directions. So when the CT scanning tube spins 360° around the body It's acquiring information throughout that spin. When that information is then acquired, then the information is reconstructed in a 3-dimentional fashion so that all the pieces of information that are acquired are then put together and create pictures where we can see the body as slices.

What are the major benefits of a CT scan?

The major benefits of a CT scanning involve our being able to check the bones, the blood vesicle, the soft tissue and the 12 organs of the body at the same time very rapidly. Typical modern city scanners acquire all the information in as little as 20 sec.

Does the radiation involved with CT scans pose a health risk?

CT scanning does involve the use of radiation, x-rays. So there is a potential that there can be health risks. But CT scans that are performed in modern day equipment are controlled in a fashion that limits the amount of radiation that is emitted.

What can a CT scan detect?

CT scanning, because it looks into the body, can detect anything from fractured bones, cancers that have affected various internal organs, or infections that could have perhaps involved your lungs or other body parts.

Is a CT scan done differently on children?

When CT scans are performed on children, we take particular care to make sure radiation dose is limited. We typically do these with a low-dose technique.