What does a CAT scan do to your body?

What does a CAT scan do to your body?

A computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan allows doctors to see inside your body. It uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of your organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray. You can get a CT scan on any part of your body.

What parts of the body does a CAT scan show?

A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.

Does a CT scanner move?

During a CT scan, the patient lies on a bed that slowly moves through the gantry while the x-ray tube rotates around the patient, shooting narrow beams of x-rays through the body. Instead of film, CT scanners use special digital x-ray detectors, which are located directly opposite the x-ray source.

What happens if you move in a CAT scan?

You should not move when you are on the CT table and the images are being acquired. This eliminates blurring in the image caused by breathing or other patient motion.

What is difference between CT scan and CAT scan?

CAT scan: What’s the difference? A CT scan and a CAT scan are the same thing. CT stands for computerized tomography and CAT stands for computerized axial tomography. The original name for this scan was an EMI scan, named after the company that created the technology.

What’s the difference between a CAT scan and an MRI?

Both MRIs and CT scans are medical imaging methods that are used to create images of the internal body to help diagnose a range of different medical conditions. The main difference between these two diagnostic imaging techniques is that an MRI uses strong magnetic fields to take images, while a CT scan uses X-rays.

What is a full body scan called?

The technology used is called X-ray computed tomography (CT), sometimes referred to as computerized axial tomography (CAT).

How many CT scans are safe?

If the scans are justified for diagnosis or treatment evaluation, there is no set number. For example, even two or more scans in a week or four in a month could be appropriate depending on your particular disease management. Again, for justified imaging scans the risks are low compared with the clinical benefits.

Can I wear a bra during a CT scan?

Wearing a bra during a chest CT scan can significantly reduce dose to radiosensitive tissues by holding breast tissue within the lower-dose region created by tube-current modulation techniques, concludes a new study in the May issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Why do CT scans move?

During the scan, a thin beam of X-ray is focused on a specific part of your body. The X-ray tube moves very rapidly around this area, enabling multiple images to be made from different angles to create a cross-sectional picture.

Can CT scan be false?

A CT scan can be wrong: it can’t tell the difference between cancerous tissue and non-cancerous tissue. CT scans can be misread or misinterpreted. Imaging tests usually can’t tell if a change has been caused by cancer. CT scans can produce false negatives and false positives.

How long does radiation stay in your body after a CT scan?

Does any radiation stay in the body after an imaging exam? After a radiographic, fluoroscopic, CT, ultrasound, or MRI exam, no radiation remains in your body. For nuclear medicine imaging, a small amount of radiation can stay in the body for a short time.

How will I feel after a CAT scan?

After your exam There will be no side effects after your CT scan. You can resume all normal activities. You may be asked to drink plenty of water for the 24 hours post exam if you have been given IV contrast dye. This will help your kidneys filter out the contrast material from your body.

What is the most common reason for a CT scan?

Chronic back pain or an injury to the spine are among the most common reasons to have a CT scan. A doctor may also order a spinal CT scan to: Evaluate spinal fractures. Assess the condition of the spine before and after surgical procedures.

Why would a doctor send you for a CAT scan?

A CT scan can give your doctors detailed images of your brain. That can help them identify tumors, bleeding, blood clots, infection, fractures, and many other problems. You may need a CT scan if you are having unexplained dizziness or headaches.