What is Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)

A Computerized tomography usually combines a series of x-ray images, which will be taken from different angles around your body. In the case of deep CT scans even soft tissues inside the human body can be easily viewed and stored. 

CT scans are always better than X Rays and few ultrasound scans. On the other hand CT scans are majorly used to take the pictures of any internal injuries or damage in internal organs as well.

Here is the list of reasons why CT scans are used. 

• It has the capability to diagnose muscles and bone disorders as well. In case of bone fractures and tumors can also be identified with the help of CT scans.

• If we are worried about the tumor location CT scans will guide us through that. Not only tumor, it has the capabilities to expose blood clot and infection as well.

• In case the doctors want to do biopsy, surgery CT scan will be used without any second questions. 

• On the other hand the advanced equipment can easily detect and monitor diseases such as cancer, lung disease, heart disease and liver diseases as well.

Though CT scan is one of the finest healthcare equipment to see through the internal organs. It does have few disadvantages

• The radiation exposure when compared with CT scan and ultrasound scan. The radiation exposure will damage some parts of cells and muscle tissues. Which is not a big deal. If you are highly exposed to CT radiation on a regular basis, there are high chances we might end up with some advanced diseases.

• In case you are pregnant and you are planning to take a CT scan. You must think twice before enrolling for study. Because while pregnant there are high chances that you might harm the unborn baby which is inside your womb.

For an advanced study doctors used to give a contrast material to the patients. Some occasion the doctors tell the patient to drink the contrast material on the other hand they will send the contrast material through the vein as well to find out any problem in the valve etc., 

There are three ways an contrast material is given to a patient

• By mouth

• By injection

• By enema

By mouth:

For instance if your stomach needs to be scanned the doctors ask you to drink the contrast material.  You must drink the material and at the same time the contrast materials drink will not have a welcoming taste. 

Through Injection:

Normally a contrast agent is injected through the vein either in the arm or legs. To check the gallbladder, liver, blood vessels. 

Enema:

Contrast material is sent through rectum and with that we can easily find if there are any abnormal activities.

Conclusion:

Computed tomography is more advanced than ultrasound but if you want some of the advanced results one must focus on taking an MRI scan. 

Even a single small problem can be identified with an MRI scan when compared with CT scan. 

CT scan is compresses of rotating x-ray machines which can take cross sectional images of the body parts. 

Here are list of organs where you can take CT scan

• Head

• Spine

• Knee

• Chest

• Shoulders

• Abdomen

• Heart

During the CT scan the person will lie down in the funnel and the machines around the tunnel will take photo imaging from different angles.

Where these images are sent to the computer and the computer will put all the images in one place to find the results.

Putting all the slices together is one of the difficult jobs, which is done by the computers. There are advanced 3 D Images available at the moment, where we can see the 3d result of the particular part.

• While performing CT Scan there are list procedure we should concentrate for example we should not take any aspirin or aspirin containing compounds for at least 5 consecutive days. 

• Usually radiologists and radiographers recommend the patient not to take any food during CT and MRI procedure. This is compulsory during contrast agents. There are only a few rare conditions, like nausea, vomiting etcs., 

• Few doctors will allow you to have food, but in case the aspirin level increases during the procedure the chances of a perfect result is very limited. 

Here are the list of procedure you must focus before 1 week CT scan

• While performing a CT scan, doctors advice is to bring an additional person or supportive person with you. So you don’t have to drive home alone. 

• Your medical history is very important, in case of allergy to ct scan contrast. You must stay away from it… your doctors will guide you to how we must take it.

• Taking blood thinners like aspirin and plavix is not permitted before 1 week

• In case of pregnancy a special care will be taken, never worry there are always special things available in the medical field.

• Always remove the valuables and keep it separate. The picture from metal will lead to different output.

• There are hundreds of medications currently happening while taking CT scans, you must focus and be in healthy conditions.

• In case you need any additional information needed you must ask the radiographers or radiologist who performs the procedures.

Day during the procedure:

• Take your regular medicines for diabetes, blood pressure or any other… Always consult a doctor or your nurses.

• In case if you have performed any earlier CT Scan or MRI scan you can bring it and give it to the radiologist to cross verify the details.

• Early is always great, you must at least have 1 hr preparation time. You cannot do the test in a hurry burry

• Before the procedure starts, the doctors will ask dozens of questions… you must answer all related questions about the procedure.

• There are other procedures which use conscious sedation, you must not eat or drink at least 8 hours.