What is a CT Scan?
"CT" stands for Computerized Tomography, a system which produces xray pictures as sectional slices of your body. This technology shows the details of your brain, spine, liver or other internal organs not visible on regular x-ray films.

CT works with very narrow x-ray beams that pass through the body at different levels. Instead of registering the image directly on film (like in a regular x-ray), the images are created digitally by a computer and then printed on film or stored on other types of media such as digital tape or optical disks. Once the images have been acquired, a computer reconstructs the raw data into a two-dimensional image, which represents a "slice" of the body part being examined.

Benefits of CT Scan
As a general rule, CT is the modality of choice for examining bony detail, calcification, sinus disease, and chest and abdomen imaging with contrast, while musculoskeletal, spine, and soft tissue imaging are preferred for MRI. However, evolving technology makes CT and MRI exams equally appropriate in many cases.

CT is especially useful at pinpointing lesions or tumors, revealing information about their location, size, and extent. Because of its short scan times, CT exams are also good for imaging areas that are prone to movement, such as the chest and liver.

Some people may be concerned about the amount of radiation they receive during a CT scan. It is true that the radiation exposure from a CT scan can be slightly higher than from a regular x-ray. However, not having the procedure can be more risky than having it, especially if cancer is suspected. People considering CT must weigh the risks and benefits.

Any special precautions?
Generally, any ionizing radiation exam is contraindicated for pregnant women. Under circumstances where the benefits outweigh the risks, CT scans of certain body parts may be allowed.

If the patient is breast feeding and has had contrast as part of her exam, she should suspend nursing for 24 hours after the scan.

In very rare cases, contrast agents can cause allergic reactions. Some people experience mild itching or hives (small bumps on the skin). Symptoms of a more serious allergic reaction include shortness of breath and swelling of the throat or other parts of the body. People should tell the technician immediately if they experience any of these symptoms, so they can be promptly treated.