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Dr. Ajai J.
Agarwal,
M.D., F.R.C.S., F.A.A.F.P., Director
Dr. Victor
Songbandith, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
Dr. Ahmad, M.D.
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CT Scan
Montwood Medical Center has just installed a CT Scan
(better known as a Cat Scan) for our patients, we know that it can be a big burden to
pay for medical bills especially for services such as CT scans, so we
lowered our base price to below half of what you can expect to pay at the
hospitals. So if you
need this special test we are ready to save you
money!.
FAQ's
What is a CT Scan?
A computerized axial tomography scan is more commonly
known by its abbreviated name, CAT scan or CT scan. It is an x-ray procedure
which combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate
cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal
organs and structures of the body. A CAT scan is used to define normal and
abnormal structures in the body and/or assist in procedures by helping to
accurately guide the placement of instruments or treatments. A large
donut-shaped x-ray machine takes x-ray images at many different angles around
the body. These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional
pictures of the body. In each of these pictures the body is seen as an x-ray
"slice" of the body, which is recorded on a film. This recorded image
is called a tomogram. "Computerized Axial Tomography" refers to the
recorded tomogram "sections" at different levels of the body.
Imagine the body as a loaf of bread and you are looking
at one end of the loaf. As you remove each slice of bread, you can see the
entire surface of that slice from the crust to the center. The body is seen on
CAT scan slices in a similar fashion from the skin to the central part of the
body being examined. When these levels are further "added" together, a
three-dimensional picture of an organ or abnormal body structure can be
obtained.
Why are CT Scans performed?
CAT scans are performed to analyze the internal
structures of various parts of the body. This includes the head, where traumatic
injuries, (such as blood clots or skull fractures), tumors, and infections can
be identified. In the spine, the bony structure of the vertebrae can be
accurately defined, as can the anatomy of the intervertebral discs and spinal
cord. In fact, CAT scan methods can be used to accurately measure the density of
bone in evaluating osteoporosis.
Occasionally, contrast material (an x-ray dye) is
placed into the spinal fluid to further enhance the scan and the various
structural relationships of the spine, the spinal cord, and its nerves. CAT
scans are also used in the chest to identify tumors, cysts, or infections that
may be suspected on a chest x-ray. CAT scans of the abdomen are extremely
helpful in defining body organ anatomy, including visualizing the liver,
gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, aorta, kidneys, uterus, and ovaries. CAT scans in
this area are used to verify the presence or absence of tumors, infection,
abnormal anatomy, or changes of the body from trauma.
The technique is painless and can provide extremely
accurate images of body structures in addition to guiding the radiologist in
performing certain procedures, such as biopsies of suspected cancers, removal of
internal body fluids for various tests, and the draining of abscesses which are
deep in the body. Many of these procedures are minimally invasive and have
markedly decreased the need to perform surgery to accomplish the same goal.
How do I prepare for a CT Scan?
In preparation for a CAT scan, patients are often asked
to avoid food, especially when contrast material is to be used. Contrast
material may be injected intravenously, or administered by mouth or by an enema
in order to increase the distinction between various organs or areas of the
body. Therefore, fluids and food may be restricted for several hours prior to
the examination. If the patient has a history of allergy to contrast material
(such as iodine), the requesting physician and radiology staff should be
notified. All metallic materials and certain clothing around the body are
removed because they can interfere with the clarity of the images.
How is a CT Scan performed?
Patients are placed on a movable table, and the table
is slipped into the center of a large donut-shaped machine which takes the x-ray
images around the body. The actual procedure can take from a half an hour to an
hour and a half. If specific tests, biopsies, or intervention are performed by
the radiologist during CAT scanning, additional time and monitoring may be
required. It is important during the CAT scan procedure that the patient
minimize any body movement by remaining as still and quiet as is possible. This
significantly increases the clarity of the x-ray images. The CAT scan
technologist tells the patient when to breathe or hold his/her breath during
scans of the chest and abdomen. If any problems are experienced during the CAT
scan, the technologist should be informed immediately. The technologist directly
watches the patient through an observation window during the procedure and there
is an intercom system in the room for added patient safety.
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