A CT scan is an important tool in modern medical diagnosis. A CT scan employs X-rays to create detailed pictures of the organs inside your body. The information can help diagnose a condition or guide a treatment decision.
Procedure
You’ll lie on a table attached to the CT scanner – a large, hollow machine during the procedure. The machine rotates around you as it takes images of your internal organs and tissues. You’ll need to lie very still during the procedure so the images will be clear. A nurse or technologist will monitor you through a window if you need any assistance during the test.
CT scanning is painless and noninvasive. Radio contrast materials may be used in some cases to improve the images. You can learn more about CT scans here and get details about the procedure.
When Doctors Orders a CT Scan?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a CT scan to help diagnose a condition or guide a treatment decision. They may also order it to get more information about symptoms you’re having, such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Infection
- Unusual lumps that could be tumours
What Does CT Scan Show?
A CT scan of your body can show detailed pictures of any part of your body, including organs, fat, and muscles. CT scans are considered more detailed than general X-rays. You’re usually exposed to radiation during a CT scan. However, the radiation exposure from a single scan is small. The advantages outweigh the risks for most people who need this test.
Who Does the CT Scan?
A radiologist will interpret the images of your CT scan and send a report to your primary care physician or another provider who ordered the test.
Radiologists are doctors who specialise in using medical imaging to diagnose and treat illnesses. Your doctor can determine whether you have a condition from your CT scan report that prompted them to order the exam.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Get the CT Scan Report?
The radiologist’s report is usually available within a day or two, but it may take longer depending on your scan. Your CT scan service provider will let you know when it should be available.
After your CT scan is complete and all of the images are obtained, the radiologist interprets them, and a report is given to your ordering physician. Your doctor will contact you with a summary of the results.
Things You Should Know
CT scans can be very useful in diagnosing medical conditions, but it’s important to remember that CT scans are not always accurate. In addition, a normal CT scan doesn’t rule out serious illness or injury, especially when trauma is involved. If you’re experiencing any symptoms that require medical attention, seek help immediately.
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about any allergies, including allergies to any medications or contrast materials. Also, be sure your doctor knows if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast material used during a previous imaging test.
If you’re allergic to iodine or shellfish, the iodine in the dye can cause an allergic reaction. Sometimes this can be severe. However, if your allergy is mild, you should still tell your doctor because it’s possible for even a mild reaction to become life-threatening.
Now that you know what a CT scan is, you can go for a CT scan without any doubt.
