A Guide to Learn the Working of Computed Tomography

A computed tomography, also called CT scan is a combination of a series of X rays taken from different angles of the computer for creating cross-sectional images of the soft tissues and bones of the body. CT scan images provide much more information than the normal X rays. Depending on the amount of X-ray absorbed in the case of a particular tissue, a different amount of x rays passes through the body.

Visit the website Inside radiology for knowing all about computed tomography and consulting a health professional if you need one. You will know about the various techniques and radiology as a whole. The CT scan was originally used for taking pictures of the brain.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

CT scans in the present times are used for checking different types of cancer. It is also used for the detection of several vascular diseases ultimately leading to kidney failure or blood clotting in the lungs. It can be used for diagnosing bone and muscle disorders like bone cancer.

It is also used for diagnosing many spinal problems and internal injuries. It is especially good for detecting internal bleeding in the brain or brain tumors or damage.

How is a CT scan performed?

Your doctor will give you a dye called contrast material for helping the internal structures to show up clearly for the X-ray images. It blocks the X rays and appears as white on images highlighting the blood vessels and intestines or all other parts that are examined. Sometimes, the contrast is injected through the rectum via the enema.

So, before a CT scan, sometimes your doctor may ask you to fast for 5 to 6 hours. Before the CT scan, you have to change into a hospital gown and remove any metal objects in your body. Your doctor then tells you to lay your face on the table sliding into the CT scanner. They will then leave the room and go to the control room for seeing and hearing from you.

You can connect with your doctor using an intercom. With the table slowing moving you into the scanner, the X-ray machine rotates around you. Each rotation produces several thin slices of images of your body. The table moves in millimeters till the work is finished. The entire procedure can take 20 minutes to 1 hour.

You have to lie down still while the machine clicks pictures or else you will get blurry pictures. You might be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds so your chest doesn’t move. All the images are sent to the radiologist for examination. Your doctor will see the follow-ups and give you the results.

The CT scans results are normal if the radiologist doesn’t see any tumors, blood clots, or fractures in your body. If any such thing is found, you may have to go for further treatment.

Conclusion

CT scans are a valuable diagnostic tool where the CT scans produce a “3D” view of different parts of the body that is scanned. It is useful for supervising the patient’s improvement during or after the cure.