CT Scan

What is it?

Radiologists use computerized x-ray equipment during this non-invasive diagnostic procedure to produce cross-sectional images of their patient's body, this procedure is also sometimes called a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan. A CT scan is beneficial because of the detailed results it can produce in several types of tissues such as; lung, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels. As a result of this specialized equipment used to create these cross-sectional images of one's body, it is easier for radiologists to diagnose problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders.

How it works

This procedure often begins with the administering of contrast agents to the patients. The contrast agents are used so that specific areas such as tissue or blood vessels can be highlighted resulting in a clearer picture in the end. The patient receives these contrast agents through their mouth, injection, via enema, or all three ways depending on what the scan is for. Next, the person lies just about motionless on a table that will slowly pass through a large x-ray machine. This painless procedure can take any where from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

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