Computerised tomography scans, also known as CT scans or CAT scans (computerized axial tomography), have allowed doctors an unparalleled insight into the human body for more than 50 years.
But how well do you really understand the procedure that could save your life?
A brief overview
CT scans are part of the radiology family, using high dose radiation to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the body’s interior. Unlike X-rays, CT scans capture soft tissue as well as skeletal tissue, making the imaging of blood vessels and musculature possible. This offers doctors a more detailed look at what is happening beneath the surface, allowing them to visualise the body internally without reaching for their scalpels.
Why are CT scans so important?
While CT scans have many uses, it is primarily relied upon to examine patients who may have sustained internal injuries or trauma. It helps with a more accurate diagnosis of diseases and injuries and helps to guide treatments.
Conditions where CT scans have proven valuable include the following:
- Muscular and skeletal disorders (such as bone tumours and fractures)
- The identification of infection or blood clots
- Guiding procedures such as surgery, biopsy, and radiation therapy
- The detection and monitoring of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, lung nodules and liver masses
- Monitoring the effectiveness of certain treatments
What have you let yourself in for?
Preparing for a CT scan is simple. Refrain from eating or drinking a few hours before the procedure, stay calm, and be amazed at how quickly the entire procedure is behind you. CT scans generally take no longer than 30 minutes from the moment you walk into our offices until you walk out.
The CT scanner itself is a circular machine that looks a bit like it was stolen from a Star Trek set, and you simply lie down on a motorised table that slides through the circle’s centre. Adults’ bodies are kept in position with straps, cushions, and a cradle for the head, while children may also be given a mild sedative to help them remain calm during the procedure.
Once inside the scanner, the X-ray tube and detectors rotate around the bed to capture the images, which might cause a slight buzzing or whirring noise. Throughout the scan (which only takes about 10 minutes), you will be able to communicate with the technologist who will be in a separate room, walking you through the process every step of the way.
What’s this I hear about dyeing my insides?
During a CT scan, a special dye called a contrast material, which blocks out the X-rays in the areas where the material is present, may be administered to highlight the areas that need to be examined. The contrast material may be given orally, intravenously, or rectally.
To wash the dye out of your system following the scan, especially to remove the contrast material from your kidneys, you simply need to drink a lot of fluids.
Are there any health risks involved?
As with any radiological procedure, the health risks are minimal, and the benefits of the scan far outweigh the slight risks you are exposed to. The three main areas of concern are as follows:
Radiation exposure
Even though the brief exposure to ionizing radiation is slightly greater than with an X-ray, the low doses have not been shown to be the cause of any long-term harm.
Harm to unborn babies
Even though the small doses of radiation exposure that come with CT scans are unlikely to adversely affect an unborn child, the risk does exist. This is why it is important to inform your doctor of your pregnancy status, so that a safer procedure (such as an MRI or ultrasound) may be opted for.
Reactions to contrast material
In rare cases, patients do show allergic reactions to contrast material. While most reactions are mild, such as rash breakout or itchiness, more severe reactions do occur in rare instances. It is thus imperative that you should inform the radiologist of any previous reactions you’ve had to contrast materials.
CT scans are one of the wonders of modern medical technology. By allowing doctors to see inside the human body, CT scans help in the early identification and diagnosis of diseases and help to track treatments more accurately. At Dr Gebs Radiology, we are at the forefront of medical possibilities when it comes to radiology. So why not come round and see what we can do for you?
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).