What is CT?
Computed tomography, or CT, is an advanced scan that produces high-quality images of the inside of your body. Dr. Deepak Das and the other radiologists at Excel Medical Imaging offer state-of-the-art CT services to patients. Your doctor may order this scan for a variety of reasons, from looking for the cause of certain symptoms to evaluating the severity of heart disease.
CT Q & A
CT scans collect a series of X-ray images taken from different angles. A computer processes this information to create pictures of your bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels. These images provide your doctor with a view of your body in cross sections, much like slicing a loaf of bread.
The images produced by CT scans are highly sensitive and capable of detecting extremely small lesions. They’re much more accurate and detailed than X-rays.
Excel Medical Imaging uses a Phillips 16-slice CT scanner with helical scanning capabilities. This scanner shortens the time required for the procedure, and it allows your radiologist to perform the scan with a smaller volume of non-ionic contrast material.
Your doctor may recommend a CT scan to:
- Look for internal injuries
- Look for infection, blood clots, or tumors
- Diagnose certain bone and muscle disorders
- Monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment
- Look for or monitor certain conditions affecting the internal organs, such as heart disease
CT scans are minimally invasive scans, but they still pose some small risks to patients. A CT scan exposes you to a small amount of ionizing radiation, which may increase your long-term risk of cancer slightly. The amount of radiation you receive during a CT scan is more than the amount associated with an X-ray.
If you have a CT scan with contrast, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the contrast material used during the test. The team at Excel Medical Imaging monitors you closely for signs of such a reaction.
The preparation instructions for a CT scan depend on the part of your body being evaluated during the procedure. Some scans may require you to drink a special solution, while others may require you to have an intravenous contrast material. Your physician or the Excel Medical Imaging staff can give you specific preparation instructions.
If you’re having intravenous contrast, let the staff know if you are taking metformin, if you have an allergy to iodine or seafood, or if you have any form of kidney disease.