How a CT Scan?

Doing a CT scan is the reason CT (computed tomography) scan to scan a clear picture of the various internal organs, including bone, a variety of tissues, and blood vessels. The scans are very useful in the diagnosis of various diseases and conditions, including cancer, heart disease, vascular disease, stroke, reproductive problems, and digestive problems.

Unlike conventional scanning X-ray, CT scan is able to scan the organs in much more detail to allow doctors to diagnose correctly. CT scans are not always conducted in a serious situation and does not necessarily mean the patient is suffering from a serious condition. CT scan is a diagnostic tool regardless of the severity of the patient.

CT scan machine looks like a large tube which is equipped with some sort of table where the patient is lying down. An X-ray scanners at the tube and then scan the patient's body. Every single round of scanning about 1,000 pictures taken of the body. This image is then compiled by a computer to form a two-dimensional cross-sectional images of the body which are then analyzed.

Preparation of CT Scan

CT scans do not require elaborate preparation. Will be very helpful if the patient wear loose clothing, remove the metal accessories such as jewelry or glasses, and drink only clear liquids (water) before the CT scan. Depending on the reason for a CT scan, the patient may be asked to swallow a contrast agent prior to scanning. Make the scan contrast agents have a better resolution to facilitate the analysis. Contrast agents are often given to patients with CT scans that have digestive problems.

Consideration

CT scans usually takes 10 to 45 minutes, or longer in some cases. For this reason, CT scans were performed only when doctors feel the procedure is really necessary. Due to radiation exposure of the body, a CT scan is generally performed at most twice a year. Pregnant women in the first trimester is recommended not to undergo a CT scan or other X-ray procedures. While helping to get better results scanning, contrast agents can cause allergic reactions such as nausea and vomiting. In the event of allergy in patients who underwent more than one CT scan should consult a doctor because of an allergic reaction to contrast agents for future use is generally more severe than the first reaction