CT Scan is an Imaging technology used for diagnosing various conditions and diseases of the body. A CT scan with the help of a computer, produces detailed images of the inside of the body which helps your doctor to plan an effective treatment plan and in turn deliver it to you. Computed tomography usually called a CT scan is a revolutionary diagnostic tool in the era of modernised technology. It uses X-Rays and computers in order to represent and display detailed pictures of the internal organs of your body, which helps in diagnosing conditions like cancer, infections like pneumonia or lesions like fracture. The CT scan image shows bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels.
How the CT scan Machine Works?
The CT scan machine moves in circles around you bearing an X-ray beam emitter on one side and opposite to you and the beam ejector lies a plate which captures the x-ray beam coming through your body. With the help of a computer, the data captured by this plate is interpreted and displayed on the computer. Which is then developed as a report and sent to your radiologist for further study and diagnosis, aiding in treatment plan making.
What is a Contrast CT scan?
A CT scan can be done with a contrast or without using the contrast medium. NCCT is a CT scan done without Contrast. A Contrast agent/dye is a radioactive substance which is administered into your body. Contrast can be given by IV technique into your vein, or it can be given as an oral preparation which you need to drink. The IV contrast is usually given through a vein in the elbow or arm. This radioactive substance dye helps produce more clear scan images.
If a contrast CT is to be done, is it possible that you might require not to eat anything a few hours prior to the test. There are certain cases where allergic reaction to the iodine based contrast dye has been found. You should always tell your radiographer or your doctor if you already have an allergy to any particular substance.
Uses of a CT scan
You might be ordered to get a CT scan when your doctor suspects-
- You have a bone or muscle disorder such as bone fracture or tumours
- You have a infection or blood clot and needs to pinpoint its location
- You need a biopsy, the scan is used to guide surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy
- You need a monitoring for judging and evaluating the effectiveness of certain treatments such as cancer
- You have a internal injury and internal bleeding
- You have lung nodules, liver mass, heart disease, or cancer
Preparation Before CT scan
If you are undergoing A CT scan there are certain things you need to keep in mind before the test which are mentioned below-
- Pregnancy- if you think you are pregnant or if you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor.. In thi case the CT scan is avoided, it is done only in absolute indication or an alternative imaging technique is used eg. MRI. you should avoid going near a pregnant lady a few hours after the scan
- Breastfeeding– if you are a breastfeeding or chestfeeding mother, you should avoid getting radiation based imaging techniques with a contrast medium especially. Children are more sensitive to radiation and you are likely to stay slightly radioactive a few hours after the scan.
- Clothing – you will be given a hospital gown to wear and all of your jewellery will be asked to take off since they might interfere in the scan and lead into faulty CT scan image production which in turn hampers and alters the diagnosis and the treatment plan, thereby affecting the prognosis.
- Eat and drink- if you are undergoing a contrast based CT scan, you will be asked not to eat anything 3-5 hours prior to the scan. You can drink only clear fluids before the scan.
- Disease- if you have diabetes and are on medication or if you have a kidney disease, you should inform your doctor. You might need to stop taking your medication or you might need an alternative diagnostic test which will be suggested according to your health status.
- Allergy- if you have an allergy to any substance you should tell your doctor beforehand only. If you had a contrast based study before and developed an allergic reaction, you should tell your doctor.
Risks of A CT scan
Any diagnostic imaging test which uses ionising radiation is done following the safety guidelines and is conducted by a trained medical personnel so as to pose as minimum risk as possible. There are certain precautions and risks you need to know about a CT scan, which are mentioned below-
- Pregnancy– the unborn foetus is more sensitive to the ionising radiation, the test during pregnancy is usually avoided. If the test is to be done, necessary precautions are taken such as thyroid collar, Lead apron to cover the parts of the body which are not the concerned area. It is also possible that you might be suggested alternative imaging techniques like Ultrasound or MRI scan which don’t use ionising radiations.
- Cancer- there are studies conducted where a slight evidence of cancer development was seen where people had multiple CT scans over a short span of time. It is recommended to have a CT scan only when in absolute need and when suggested by a doctor. The CT scan uses ionising radiations which can cause damage to DNA structure. The damaged DNA structure can cause carcinogenic growth of cells thereby leading to cancer. Although the chances of cancer development are very low, if it still bothers you, you can consult your doctor anytime and get checked.
- Claustrophobia- when a person is scared or feels anxious of closed and crowded spaces it is known as being claustrophobic. You need to tell your doctor if you are claustrophobic. You might be given certain medications before the scan to help relax.
Conclusion
A CT scan is a revolutionary advancement providing a detailed image of the inside of the body along with its organs. The Cost of CT scan is most debated and worried about. There are diagnostic centres which can provide a cost friendly and reliable scan report.