![]() This loss of image quality can resemble the blurring seen on a photograph taken of a moving object. Any motion, including breathing and body movements, can lead to artifacts on the images. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath during the scanning. Depending on the type of CT scan, the machine may make several passes. Then, the table will move slowly through the machine for the actual CT scan. Next, the table will move quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans. If so, it will be swallowed, injected through an intravenous line (IV) or, rarely, administered by enema. ![]() The exam may use contrast material, depending on the type of exam. Motion may cause blurring of the images and degrade image quality the same way that it affects photographs. In special cases, children who cannot hold still may need sedation. Many scanners are fast enough to scan children without sedation. These multi-slice (multidetector) CT scanners obtain thinner slices in less time. Nearly all CT scanners can obtain multiple slices in a single rotation. ![]() When the computer software reassembles the image slices, the result is a very detailed multidimensional view of the body's interior. CT imaging is sometimes compared to looking into a loaf of bread by cutting the loaf into thin slices. The system displays the images on a computer monitor. A special computer program processes this large volume of data to create two-dimensional cross-sectional images of your body. Sometimes, the exam table will move during the scan. These measure the amount of radiation being absorbed throughout your body. With CT scanning, several x-ray beams and electronic x-ray detectors rotate around you. Soft tissue, such as the heart or liver, shows up in shades of gray. A special electronic image recording plate captures the image. This difference allows the doctor to distinguish body parts from one another on an x-ray or CT image.Ī conventional x-ray exam directs a small amount of radiation through the body part under examination. Different body parts absorb x-rays in different amounts. In many ways, a CT scan works like other x-ray exams. See the CT Safety During Pregnancy page for more information. Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant. ![]() Any of these conditions may increase the risk of an adverse effect. To avoid unnecessary delays, contact your doctor well before the date of your exam.Īlso tell your doctor about any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid problems. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, your doctor may prescribe medications (usually a steroid) to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. Your doctor may instruct you to not eat or drink anything for a few hours before your exam if it will use contrast material. You may need to remove any piercings, if possible. Women will need to remove bras containing metal underwire. Some CT exams will require you to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Leave them at home or remove them prior to your exam. Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, may affect the CT images. You may need to change into a gown for the procedure. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. stage, plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors as well as monitor response to chemotherapy.plan for and assess the results of surgery, such as organ transplants.guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainages and minimally invasive tumor treatments.abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), injuries to abdominal organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, or other internal organs in cases of trauma.ĭoctors also use CT scanning of the abdomen/pelvis to:.cancers of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, ovaries and bladder as well as lymphoma.inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, pancreatitis or liver cirrhosis.Infections such as appendicitis, pyelonephritis or infected fluid collections, also known as abscesses. They also use it to diagnose diseases of the internal organs, small bowel and colon, such as: ![]() What are some common uses of the procedure?ĭoctors typically use this procedure to help diagnose the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain. ![]()
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