A computed tomography (CT) scan uses x-ray technology to take multiple cross-sectional views of the inside of the body. A CT scan can take clearer pictures of organs, bone [2], soft tissue, blood vessels, and areas of the body not seen on regular x-rays. IAs a result, it can be more accurate than other imaging studies in diagnosing certain problems.
CT Scan of the Head
© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
This depends on the medical [3] problem and the part of your body being studied.
Some of the primary uses for CT scanning include:
A CT scan is not recommended if you are pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, since the procedure may affect your pregnancy.
Do not eat solid food during the four hours before your appointment.
None, unless you receive a mild sedative for anxiety or fear of enclosed spaces
You will lie (usually on your back) on a movable bed that slides into the donut-shaped CT scanner. Depending on the type of scan you are receiving, an intravenous line may be placed in your hand or arm. A saline solution and contrasting agent may be injected during the exam.
The technologist will leave the room and give you any necessary directions via an intercom. The machine will take a series of pictures of the area of your body that is being studied. Your bed may move slightly between pictures.
You will be asked to wait until the CT staff is sure all the necessary information has been collected.
The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.
There is no pain [11] reported with a CT scan.
You will be able to go home after the CT scan.
RESOURCES:
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh [14]
Radiological Society of North America
http://www.radiologyinfo.org [15]
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Radiologists
http://www.car.ca [16]
Canadian Radiation Protection Association
http://www.crpa-acrp.ca [17]
References:
Computed tomography (CT)—body. Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct&bhcp=1 [18].Accessed May 29, 2007.
CT scan: a guide for patients. Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital website. Available at: http://brighamrad.harvard.edu/patients/education/ct/ctguide.html#q2 [19].Accessed May 29, 2007.
Last reviewed April 2008 by Jill Landis, MD [20]
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical [3] advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health [21] provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical [3] condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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[1] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/editorial-staff-and-contributors#KrishaM
[2] http://www.thirdage.com/bones-joints-muscles
[3] http://www.thirdage.com/medical-care
[4] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/disease-condition-injury-fact-sheets#c
[5] http://www.thirdage.com/living-with-cancer
[6] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/biopsy
[7] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/dual-energy-x-ray-absorptiometry-bone-mineral-density-testing-dexa-dxa
[8] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/osteoporosis-op
[9] http://www.thirdage.com/allergies
[10] http://www.thirdage.com/mental-health/anxiety
[11] http://www.thirdage.com/pain-management
[12] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/hives-urticaria
[13] http://www.thirdage.com/vision-health
[14] http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/
[15] http://www.radiologyinfo.org/
[16] http://www.car.ca/
[17] http://www.crpa-acrp.ca/
[18] http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct&bhcp=1
[19] http://brighamrad.harvard.edu/patients/education/ct/ctguide.html#q2
[20] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/ebsco-publishings-medical-review-board-0#Landis
[21] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness