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CT Scan Cincinnati CT stands for computed tomography and is sometimes called a CAT scan. It is a method of noninvasive medical imaging. It can allow doctors to perform procedures and diagnose medical conditions. CT scans are capable of producing two-dimensional and three-dimensional images on the body. It does this by using X-rays from different angles on the body, and it creates sliced images. It then puts these slices together to create detailed images. CT scans can provide images of the organs, bones, soft tissue, veins and arteries. They are commonly used for scanning the head, and doctors can diagnose if a person has bleeding, blood clot, stroke, brain damage, tumors, or skull fractures. Doctors can use the pictures produced by CT scans to diagnose conditions such as injuries to the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. They can also detect cancer in patients and locate tumors. Doctors are even able to use CT scans to test patients for osteoporosis by measuring their bone density. Traditional X-rays are meant for mainly viewing the bone structure, while CT scans show much more in greater detail. Since it still uses X-rays, it exposes the patient to some radiation, but this is minimal and is fine in low doses. The images produced are in black and white and the grey ranges depending on the material, much like a traditional X-ray. CT scans are sometimes performed using contrast, which is a dye that is injected into the veins or arteries and allows them to show up on the CT scan. Some patients will feel a warm sensation while this is being injected or they will even have a metallic taste in their mouths. Doctors use this contrast to check the blood flow and determine if there is any narrowing of the blood vessels or blockages. Procedure of CT Scan The process of having a CT scan is painless and simple. You must remove jewelry, glasses, dentures, and anything else that is metal because it could interfere with the images and the machine. Some CT scans require the patient to not eat or drink anything for a while beforehand. This depends on the area of the body that is going to be imaged, but is usually required if contrast is used. The CT machine looks like a large square with a small hole in the middle. This creates a very short tunnel. Before the procedure, if contrast is used, it will be injected through IV or the patient will drink it, depending on what part of the body the CT scan is imaging. The patient lies on their back on a small table and is required to hold still for the procedure. Some doctors may ask the patient to hold their breath momentarily to prevent blurring of the image. If a small child is having a CT scan, the doctors may give them a sedative to keep them calm and help them to stay still. The technician will help with positioning you, but will leave when the procedure begins. They will be in another room behind glass and will be able to talk to you through speakers and a microphone. The table will lift up and enter the tunnel. The square rotates around while it is creating the images. The entire procedure usually takes about half an hour. If you had contrast, the doctor will recommend that afterward you drink lots of water to flush it out of your system so it does not harm your kidneys.
Professional Radiology Professional Radiology offers the CT scan procedure to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area. They practice out of the Christ Hospital, Jewish Hospital, Fort Hamilton Hospital, Kenwood Medical Imaging, Westside Medical Imaging, and Butler County Imaging Center. For More Information, Please Call 513-527-9999, |
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