CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
Computed tomography more commonly known as CT Scan or CAT Scan, is a diagnostic medical test and unlike the X-Ray, it gives multiple images of the internal organs of the body and is therefore far more informative than X-Ray or Ultrasound Exam. It is an advanced diagnostic tool and at Vardhman Hospital Muzaffarnagar we have one of the most advanced CT Scan machines. CT Scan is one of the first techniques that is used in cases of a head injury, abdominal problems, cancer imaging etc. At Vardhman Hospital Muzaffarnagar the facility is open 24 x 7 for the CT Scan cases which are to be done in an emergency. The cross-sectional images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted in multiple planes, and can even generate three-dimensional images. These images can be viewed on a computer monitor or printed on film or transferred to a DVD. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, appendicitis, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders.
For getting a CT scan you should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure. Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Women will be asked to remove bras containing metal underwire. You may be asked to remove any piercings if possible. Plain CT Scan can be done without the restriction of food but for contrast studies, you need to be fasting for at least 4-6 hours before the exam. You should inform your physician of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. Women must take care to inform the technician if there is any chance of them being pregnant. In case of contrast, CT Scans we also need kidney function to be fine hence a blood test called serum creatinine is done to check for the functioning of the kidneys.
Role Of CT Scan For Treating Doctors
Quickly identify injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys, bowel, or other internal organs in cases of trauma.
- Guided biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainage and minimally invasive tumor treatments.
- Plan for and assess the results of surgery, such as organ transplants or gastric bypass.
- Stage, plan and properly administer radiation treatment for tumors as well as monitor response to chemotherapy.
- Measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis
Experience Before And After CT Scan There is no need to feel apprehensive before a CT Scan exam as the process is very quick. You can get the whole body CT Scan done in less than 100 seconds on our Ultrafast Spiral CT Scanner.
For exams (excluding head and neck) your head will remain outside the hole in the center of the scanner.
The scanner is approximately 24 inches wide, therefore, your entire body will not be "inside" the scanner at one time such as with MRI.
CT Scan Machine
Take a look at the image above. The CT scanner is typically a large, box-like machine with a hole, or short tunnel, in the center. You will lie on a narrow examination table that slides into and out of this tunnel. Rotating around you, the x-ray tube and electronic x-ray detectors are located opposite each other in a ring, called a gantry. The computer workstation that processes the imaging information is located in a separate control room, where the technologist operates the scanner and monitors your examination in direct visual contact and usually with the ability to hear and talk to you with the use of a speaker and microphone.
How CT Scan Is Done : The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to help you remain still during the exam. Many scanners are fast enough that children can be scanned without sedation. In special cases, sedation may be needed for children who cannot hold still. Motion will cause blurring of the images and degrade the quality of the examination the same way that it affects photographs.
At Vardhman Hospital we have the state of the art most advanced CT scan. CT Scan is a great diagnostic modality for several body parts but it has to be ordered judiciously because of the Radiation dose given to the patient. . At Vardhman hospital Muzaffarnagar we have CT scan which uses new technology to reduce the radiation dose. Each CT Scan would give a patient radiation equivalent to approximately 70 X-Rays but with our dose reduction technology this has come down to almost 20 X-Rays. The CT Scan machine at Vardhman Hospital Muzaffarnagar is capable of scanning from head to toe in less than 100 seconds.
Advantages of CT Scan
- One of the fastest and most accurate tools for examining the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.
- Used to examine patients with injuries from trauma such as a motor vehicle accident.
- Performed on patients with acute symptoms such as chest or abdominal pain or difficulty breathing.
- Often the best method for detecting many different cancers, such as lymphoma and cancers of the lung, liver, kidney, ovary and pancreas since the image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor, measure its size, identify its precise location and determine the extent of its involvement with other nearby tissue.
At Vardhman Hospital Muzaffarnagar, we do the following CT Scans tests:
