Computed tomography (CT scan or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.
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In standard X-rays, a beam of energy is aimed at the body part being studied. A plate behind the body part captures the variations of the energy beam after it passes through skin, bone, muscle, and other tissue. While much information can be obtained from a standard X-ray, a lot of detail about internal organs and other structures is not available.
In computed tomography, the X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows many different views of the same organ or structure. The X-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the X-ray data and displays it in a two-dimensional (2D) form on a monitor.
CT scans may be done with or without "contrast." Contrast refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into an intravenous (IV) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to be seen more clearly. Contrast examinations may require you to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure. Your doctor will notify you of this prior to the procedure.
CT scans of the abdomen can provide more detailed information about abdominal organs and structures than standard X-rays of the abdomen, thus providing more information related to injuries and/or diseases of the abdominal organs.
CT scans of the abdomen may also be used to visualize placement of needles during biopsies of abdominal organs or tumors or during aspiration (withdrawal) of fluid from the abdomen. CT scans of the abdomen are useful in monitoring tumors and other conditions of the abdomen before and after treatment.
Other related procedures that may be used to diagnose abdominal problems include abdominal X-rays, pancreas scan, liver scan, gallbladder scan, kidney scan, endoscopy procedures such as colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and abdominal angiogram.
The abdomen contains organs of the gastrointestinal, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems. A CT scan of the abdomen may be performed to assess the abdomen and its organs for tumors and other lesions, injuries, intra-abdominal bleeding, infections, unexplained abdominal pain, obstructions, or other conditions, particularly when another type of examination, such as X-rays or physical examination, is not conclusive.
A CT scan of the abdomen may also be used to evaluate the effects of treatment on abdominal tumors. Another use of abdominal CT is to provide guidance for biopsies and/or aspiration of tissue from the abdomen.
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a CT scan of the abdomen.
You may want to ask your doctor about the amount of radiation used during the CT procedure and the risks related to your particular situation. It is a good idea to keep a record of your past history of radiation exposure, such as previous CT scans and other types of X-rays, so that you can inform your doctor. Risks associated with radiation exposure may be related to the cumulative number of X-ray examinations and/or treatments over a long period of time.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your health care provider. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects.
If contrast media is used, there is a risk for allergic reaction to the media. Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications should notify their doctor. You will need to let your doctor know if you have ever had a reaction to contrast media, or kidney problems. A reported seafood allergy is not considered to be a contraindication for iodinated contrast. If you take metformin/Glucophage, or a related medication, you may be asked to stop taking the medication for at least 48 hours after the contrast is administered, as it may cause a condition called metabolic acidosis, or an unsafe change in your blood pH.
Patients with kidney failure or other kidney problems should notify their doctor. In some cases, the contrast media can cause kidney failure, especially if the person is dehydrated or already has underlying kidney disease.
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the accuracy of a CT scan of the abdomen. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
Metallic objects within the abdomen, such as surgical clips
Barium in the intestines from a recent barium study
Stool and/or gas in the bowel
Total hip replacement
If you are having a computed tomography angiography (CTA) or virtual colonoscopy with Johns Hopkins radiology, you will be given specific instructions when you make your appointment.
PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please check with your doctor before scheduling the exam. Other options will be discussed with you and your doctor.
CLOTHING: You may be asked to change into a patient gown. If so, a gown will be provided for you. A locker will be provided to secure personal belongings. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
CONTRAST MEDIA: CT scans are most frequently done with and without a contrast media. The contrast media improves the radiologist's ability to view the images of the inside of the body.
Some patients should not have an iodine-based contrast media. If you have problems with your kidney function, please inform the access center representative when you schedule the appointment. You may be able to have the scan performed without contrast media or have an alternative imaging exam.
You will be asked to sign a consent form that will detail the risks and side-effects associated with contrast media injected through a small tube places in a vein called an intravenous (IV) line.
The most common type of CT scan with contrast is the double contrast study that will require you to drink a contrast media before your exam begins in addition to the IV contrast. The more contrast you are able to drink, the better the images are for the radiologist to visualize your digestive tract.
ALLERGY: Please inform the access center representative when you schedule your CT scan if you have had an allergic reaction to any contrast media. IV contrast will not be administered if you have had a severe or anaphylactic reaction to any contrast media in the past. If you had mild to moderate reactions in the past, you will likely need to take medication prior to the CT scan. These plans will be discussed with you in detail when you schedule your exam. Any known reactions to a contrast media should be discussed with your personal physician.
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EAT/DRINK: If your doctor ordered a CT scan without contrast, you can eat, drink and take your prescribed medications prior to your exam. If your doctor ordered a CT scan with contrast, do not eat anything three hours prior to your CT scan. You are encouraged to drink clear liquids. You may also take your prescribed medications prior to your exam.
DIABETICS: Diabetics should eat a light breakfast or lunch three hours prior to the scan time. Depending on your oral medication for diabetes, you may be asked to discontinue use of the medication for 48 hours after the CT scan. If you have a CT scan with Johns Hopkins radiology, detailed instructions will be given following your examination.
MEDICATION: All patients can take their prescribed medications as usual.
Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.
CT scans may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your physician's practices.
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Are you curious about how CT Scan works? What makes them such essential medical imaging tools, and why do doctors often use them? CT scan is a medical process that has existed for a long time and is used to detect diseases if present. This blog post will explore the technology behind Computed Tomography (CT) scans'from what happens during the scan to its various applications in diagnostic radiology.
You will also get to read a basic overview of CT scanning so that you can learn more about how does a CT scan work and how medical professionals use these scans for diagnosing patients. Informative facts about CT scans, such as the uses of CT scans, how images are formed in CT scans, and much more, are detailed in this blog post. So buckle up; let's dive into understanding CT technology and discover why it is widely considered one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine!
CT scans have a wide variety of uses in the medical world. Computed Tomography (CT) scans are an imaging technique that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. It can be used to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and provide helpful information for medical procedures such as surgery. CT scans can also be used in combination with other imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). If patients need therapy for cancer treatment, such as proton therapy by Apollo Hospitals, CT scans help in detection.
CT scans take multiple X-ray images from different angles around the body. A computer then combines the collected data to generate 3D pictures of the area being studied. A CT scan produces very detailed images, which makes it an invaluable diagnostic tool for doctors and surgeons.
Now you must be thinking, how does a pet scan work? A PET scan works similarly, but instead of X-rays, it uses radioactive tracers to detect how cells and organs function. This technique can be used to detect the presence of diseases such as various types of cancer, and Alzheimer's, among several other diseases, or monitor how well treatments are working.
There is a procedure by which a Computed Tomography (CT) scan works. For knowing about CT scans, understanding these steps are important. Here are the steps involved in a CT scan how it works:
A scientific process is involved in the way images are formed in CT scans. The process begins when a patient is positioned in the middle of the scanner device, and the x-ray beam moves in a circle around them from multiple angles. A detector array within the device captures data on x-ray absorption, which is sent to a computer processor. The processor translates the data into an organized structure according to predetermined criteria and generates a 3D image using colors, shadings, and density variations.
A certain amount of radiation stays in your body after a Computer Tomography (CT) scan. If you recently had a CT scan, then you may have questions about the radiation exposure associated with the scan and how long it takes for that radiation to leave your body. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of scan, the dose per kilogram, and any additional shielding that was employed during the scan. Generally speaking, though, most of the radiation from a CT scan only lasts for a short duration in your body. The radiation in your body after a CT scan is gone from your body within one or two days as long as it's not a computed tomography providing an image of your abdomen or pelvis. There is nothing to worry about the radiation in your body after a CT scan, as it is mostly harmless.
Contrast is added to the CT scan for better diagnosis. Are you curious to know how does computed tomography work with contrast? Here is the answer. When contrast is added to the scan, enhanced diagnostics can be done by showing how blood flows through tissues or how different tissues take up contrasting colors or absorb radiation differently. This useful diagnosis method involves injecting the patient with a special dye that shows tissue structure, activity, and pathology more clearly in certain areas than in other imaging scans. With contrast added to CT scans, specialists can pursue a further diagnosis of potential issues in much greater detail than before, making many treatments increasingly efficient and effective. Contrast added to CT scan helps in better detection of disease, which is useful for both doctors and patients.
CT scan is a long-standing medical procedure that is used to identify illnesses when they are present. CT scans are an essential tool that helps doctors diagnose patients. Without CT scans, it is impossible for doctors to detect severe diseases and help patients by suggesting treatment. CT scan is an essential medical procedure, and it is common in use in hospitals and other healthcare centers. The process of how CT scan works is fascinating and has helped save many lives. It is incredible what technology can do and how it continues to progress and help us in our everyday lives.
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