CT Scan: What Is Its Purpose?

Tomographic examination (CT, CT) is a quick, simple and painless examination in the field of diagnostic imaging. Who needs to do it? What are its advantages? You will learn more about it by reading today’s article.

A tomographic examination is a radiological imaging test used in the diagnosis of many diseases. In today’s article you will find many interesting facts about this type of research.

What is a CT scan?

Computed tomography is a study in the field of diagnostic imaging. It is performed with an x-ray machine that emits many beams from different directions, not just one beam as with a standard x-ray machine.

Moreover, such bundles create many different photos that are transferred to the computer and processed by it. Then they generate a reconstruction of the layers of the examined part of the body or the interior of the whole body, depending on the need.

The computer is even able to configure the photos to create a 3D image of the inside of the body. As a result, the images obtained during a CT scan are much more detailed than those obtained with a regular X-ray.

What does a CT scan show?

Images of the various tissues inside the body obtained from this study are based on the different levels of radiation absorption by the tissues. This makes different tissues, such as bones, tendons, soft tissues, nerve tissues of the brain, etc., different colors.

For example, bones appear lighter and areas of air, such as the lungs, appear blacker. Conversely, medium-density areas, such as the heart or liver, appear gray.

When is a CT scan used?

This quick test is designed to assess the health of many internal body parts during emergencies. These include, among others, traffic accidents, suspected heart attack or stroke, etc.

It is also one of the main tests performed in the diagnosis and evaluation of various types of cancer. They are most often used for tumors of the lungs, ovaries or liver.

Moreover, when performing the examination, you can also use different contrasts that allow you to get more detailed images of selected parts of the body.

How are they made?

Computed tomography is a quick, simple and painless examination. To prepare for it, the doctor will ask the patient who is about to undergo it to tell them about any allergies or dentures they may have.

The patient will need to remove any metal objects, hearing aids, and other objects that may interfere with the test.

Then it will be placed in a specific position that will help you get the right image. The patient will lie on the bed, which will be driven in and out of the x-ray machine.

The test usually takes less than 30 minutes and can be even faster with some modern equipment or testing of children.

Is the CT scan safe?

The most risky part of a CT scan is exposure to radiation. However, the amount of radiation that enters the patient’s body is safe. However, there is always a slight risk of developing certain types of cancer from radiation.

The benefits of this test are always far greater than the risk of developing cancer. However, in the case of pregnant women, this is not the case. Therefore, as soon as possible, tell the doctor about the pregnancy, who proposes to perform a computed tomography.

In general, this test is not recommended for pregnant women and will only be performed if the benefits outweigh the risks.

To sum up

Now you know that a CT scan is quick, simple and painless, and can provide a lot of important information when diagnosing many diseases or in the event of an emergency.

It is noteworthy that it is used more and more, and that the techniques for interpreting its results become more sophisticated over time.