CT Scan

We have state of the art multi slicer computed tomography machine and offer a wide spectrum of scanning protocols from plain CT brain to limb angiography and cisternography
We cater to in-patients, out-patients and emergency department, with prompt scanning and report turnaround time. Direct communication and sharing of preliminary findings with the primary physician is our practice.

  • Computed tomography, more commonly known as a CT or CAT scan, is a diagnostic medical test that, like traditional x-rays, produces multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body.
    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, printed on film or transferred to a CD or DVD.

  • CT imaging is:

    • 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.
    • An examination that plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death. CT is commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung vessels) as well as for aortic aneurysms.
    • Invaluable in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainages 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 treatments for tumors as well as monitor response to chemotherapy.
    • Measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis.

  • 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 and 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.
    You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand, as contrast material will be used in your exam. You should inform your physician of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, or “dye,” your doctor may prescribe medications (usually a steroid) to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. These medications generally need to be taken 12 hours prior to administration of contrast material. To avoid unnecessary delays, contact your doctor before the exact time of your exam
    Also inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. Any of these conditions may increase the risk of an unusual adverse effect.
    Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.

  • 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.

  • Benefits

    • CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
    • A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
    • Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
    • CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
    • CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
    • CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
    • CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device of any kind, unlike MRI.
    • CT imaging provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasiveprocedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many areas of the body, particularly the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.
    • A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy.
    • No radiation remains in a patient’s body after a CT examination.
    • X-rays used in CT scans should have no immediate side effects.

    Risks

    There is no conclusive evidence that radiation at small amounts delivered by a CT scan causes cancer. Large population studies have shown a slight increase in cancer from much larger amounts of radiation, such as from radiation therapy. Thus, there is always concern that this risk may also apply to the lower amounts of radiation delivered by a CT exam. When a CT scan is recommended by your doctor, the expected benefit of this test outweighs the potential risk from radiation. You are encouraged to discuss the risks versus the benefits of your CT scan with your doctor, and to explore whether alternative imaging tests may be available to diagnose your condition.

  • Soft-tissue details in areas such as the brain, internal pelvic organs, and joints (such as knees and shoulders) can often be better evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In pregnant women, while CT can be performed safely, other imaging exams not involving radiation, such as ultrasound or MRI, are preferred but only if they are likely to be as good as CT in diagnosing your condition.
    A person who is very large may not fit into the opening of a conventional CT scanner or may be over the weight limit—usually 450 pounds—for the moving table.

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