CT

Computed Tomogrophy

What It Is

A CT is a noninvasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures from the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. CT of internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams. Common uses include cancer detection, biopsy needle insertion, post-traumatic injuries, and aneurysm/stroke analysis.

What To Expect

Some CT require preparation. If there are dietary rules that correspond with your specific CT, you’ll be notified ahead of time. If a patient can avoid wearing clothing with metal or buttons, that always helps. However, if it’s unavoidable, you will be provided scrubs or a gown. You’ll be asked to lie down on the CT-Scanner’s table. The table is passed through a large, donut-shaped ring, as the scanner begins to take pictures of your body. These images create a cross-section of your entire body. In certain cases, contrast material may be needed to enhance the image, and these are administered either orally or intravenously, depending on the type of CT study being performed.