Buy Health Insurance Online

Exclusive

Wellness Benefits

24*7 Claims

Support

Tax Savings

u/s 80D

9000+ Cashless Hospitals PAN India

Pincode

+91 Enter Mobile Number

Try agian later

I agree to the Terms & Conditions

Port My Policy

Download Policy

(Incl 18% GST)

What is CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Meaning, Working & Procedure

A CT (computerised tomography) scan is a modern version of a CAT (computerised axial tomography) scan. It advances conventional x-ray procedures to understand one's internal issues better. Thus, healthcare professionals suggest a CT scan to evaluate a patient's internal conditions.

This article highlights what a CT scan is, how it works, and the medical procedure professionals follow. So, read on to learn more!

Team Digit

What Is a CT Scan?

Computed Tomography scan is a computerised x-ray scanning of a body from different angles. It allows a doctor to see through the blood vessels, bones and soft tissues with cross-sectional images or ‘slices’. So, it provides a more detailed view of the insides than conventional x-rays.

As a result, a CT scan can pinpoint abnormalities like injuries, tumours, blood clots or any unnatural presence in the body. Thus, physicians prescribe scanning to visualise different regions of the body, such as:

Heart
Head
Shoulders
Chest, etc.

Though x-rays and ultrasounds give adequate information, Computed Tomography is essential for more detailed insight.

How Does CT Scan Work?

During a CT scan, ionising radiation rotates around the body through the gantry. The gantry is the circular part of a CT scanner that plays a crucial role in producing and detecting rays. Each time the radiation moves throughout the body, it captures an abundance of images or slices. They can be displayed partially or "stacked", depending on the requirements.

These Tomography images are often stacked with each other to create a three-dimensional (3D) view of the internal structure of an individual. Physicians detect abnormalities by studying these 3D images of organs, tissues, skeletons and other parts.

What Are the Uses of CT Scans?

The following are the different uses of CT scans:

Locating tumours, pulmonary embolisms (blood clots), infections, injuries or excess fluid.
Identifying heart diseases, cancer, emphysema or pneumonia, and liver diseases.
Detecting bone fractures, tumours, eroded joints, muscle or other bone disorders.
Assessing for procedures like biopsies, surgeries, and radiation therapy.
Monitoring treatment programmes related to chemotherapy or radiation.
Detecting internal bleeding, haemorrhage, and other health conditions.

In case you want to run a CT scan for any of the above issues, a radiology expert will execute the scanning and make the report. So later, after thoroughly assessing the tomography report, doctors can decide on further treatment.

What Is the Procedure for a CT Scan?

A CT scan takes only a little time. Moreover, professionals may carry it with or without contrast depending on the health condition. Contrast is a dye containing barium or iodine to enhance the contrast level and resolution of the slices or images.

The preparation one needs to go through before scanning is as follows:

The clinician will provide contrast orally or through injection to prepare for the test.
A patient should not eat solid foods for 4 hours before scanning.
Patients need to remove any metallic object or medical devices from the body, like jewellery, watches, hearing aids etc.

The entire process could take 20 minutes to 1 hour. Also, it is crucial to stay still to avoid blurry test reports. Moreover, further treatment or tests will be required if the doctor notices any unnatural characteristics.

What Are the Side Effects of a CT Scan?

Although the radiation is mild for most people, some can experience few side effects of a CT scan. For example, getting allergic symptoms like rashes or itchiness from the contrast. In addition, some may feel catastrophic in a few cases. Hence, communication with the physician is advisable about pre-existing medication. So, convey if you have iodine or seafood allergies before the test.

Additionally, let the doctor know if you take any medication for kidney or diabetes. The doctor may suggest refraining from the medication before or after the process.

What Are the Risks of a CT Scan?

CT scan is a process of diagnosing critical problems like cancer, blood clots, haemorrhage and more. So, if the process takes place on time, it can save lives. Yet, ionising radiation can impact living tissues. However, this risk of a CT scan is minor compared to the existing life-threatening condition.

Other risks of CT scan you must watch out for include:

Risk of cancer from frequent scans
Harmful effect on unborn babies

When to Consult the Doctor for Alternatives of a CT Scan?

Frequent or multiple CT scans can expose individuals to a lot of risks from radiation. Therefore, patients or parents can ask for other alternatives to prevent further damage. The cases where you can ask for alternatives include:

Children are more at risk of developing cancer from radiation than adults. Therefore, parents should consult the radiologist or physician beforehand for children-friendly manual radiation adjustment. In contrast, parents can also ask for a diagnosis process without ionising radiation, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A CT scan exerts potential risks on unborn babies. So, if the mother needs tomography images of the abdomen or pelvis, the doctor prescribes tests like ultrasound.

After the scan, the patient can return to everyday life. However, the patient may need to stay longer if contrast is used. Moreover, physicians may instruct to wait at the clinic to check for any allergic reaction to the contrast.

From the above information, we can extract that a CT scan is crucial in diagnosing an underlying disease or injury. However, in real-case scenarios, people can get anxious while having unidentified critical issues. Thus, one must make sure to read about what is a CT scan or how it occurs before the procedure.

FAQs About CT Scan

All

Is a CT scan painful?

No, a CT scan is a painless diagnosis process, though a bit of risk of radiation is involved. However, this is similar to the natural radiation exposure one gets from the environment.

Is it crucial to have your bladder full before a CT scan?

Yes, having the bladder full before a CT scan is crucial. Your physician will instruct you to drink a lot of water before the scan as it aids in seeing the internal organs and blood vessels clearly.

How often can one get a CT scan?

As a CT scan allows critical details inside the body, it must be done when required. However, there is no approved limit on how often one should opt for Computed Tomography.

What to do if someone is allergic to contrast dyes used in CT scan?

Patients allergic to contrast dyes or even with kidney issues should consult the physician for alternatives. For example, the doctor may suggest scanning without contrast or giving an antidote to avoid an allergic reaction. Also, the health care provider may instruct the patient to drink a significant amount of water to pass the effects of contrast through urine or stool.

Other Important Articles about Procedures & Tests

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

What Is Nt Scan

Domestic Travel Guidelines in India

Basti In Ayurveda

Can Smokers Donate Blood

Get Vaccination Certificate on WhatsApp

Can A Person With Tattoo Donate Blood

Medical Tourism In Singapore

What Is RPR Test

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Medical Tourism In Thailand

Heart Valve Surgery

Difference Between Nebulizer And Inhaler

What Is Ct Scan

What Is Pedometer

What Is D Dimer Test

What Is Exposure Therapy

Spine Decompression Surgery

Robotic Assisted Sacrocolpopexy

Homeopathy For Back Pain

What Is Systematic Desensitisation Therapy

What is Cholesterol Test

Virechana Panchakarma Treatment

When To Take A Pregnancy Test

Bypass Surgery

Medical Tourism In Us

Hip Replacement Surgery

Rdw In Blood Test

Hct In Blood Test

Covid Vaccination Certificate Uses

What Is Mchc In Blood Test

What Is Couples Therapy

Arogya Setu App

Raktamokshana Ayurvedic Treatment

What Is Thyroid Function Test

What Is Nasal Cannula

Rabies Vaccine

What Is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Homoeopathy For Hair Fall

What Is FBS Test

Laparoscopic Surgery

Download Vaccine Certificate By Mobile Number

What is a Glucometer

What Is Rbs Test

Homeopathy For Knee Pain

What Are X Rays

Difference Between Homeopathy And Allopathy

Dance Movement Therapy

What Is Mammography

What Is Influenza Vaccine

Pcv In Blood Test

Pulse Oximetry Test

What is Romberg Test?

Homoeopathy for Cough

Homeopathy For Sinusitis

Types Of Thermometers

Remedial Therapy And Massage Treatment

Ayurveda For Hair Growth

What Is VDRL Test

Allopathy Vs Ayurveda

What Is Apnea Monitor

Cat Bite Treatment

Benefits Of Blood Donation

Sarvanga Swedana

What is Biopsy Test

Homoeopathy For Piles

Homeopathy For Blood Pressure

Endarterectomy Surgery

Homeopathy For Eczema

Endometrial Ablation

What Is IDH Blood Tests

Medical Tourism In Turkey

Download Vaccination Certificate

Dinacharya In Ayurveda

Homoeopathy For Chest Congestion

Blood Donation Eligibility Criteria

Bone Marrow Transplant

Hernia Surgery

Medical Tourism Destinations

Atherectomy Surgery

Can Diabetics Donate Blood

What is Electrocardiogram Test

How To Use A Steamer

Homeopathy For Fatty Liver

Decompressive Craniectomy Surgery

What is a Nebulizer

Alt In Blood Test

Types Of Heating Pads

What Is Tongue Scraping

What Is AMA Test

Abhyanga Massage

What Is Flooding Therapy

LDH Blood Test

Knee Replacement Surgery

Plt Blood Test

What is Electroencephalogram Test

Cervical Spine Surgery

Beneficiary Reference ID After Vaccination

Snake Bite Treatment

World Blood Donor Day

What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is MRI Scan

Hepatitis B Vaccine

What Is Crp Blood Test

Endoscopic Surgery

Polio Vaccine

Peripheral Artery Disease Surgery

Varicose Vein Surgery

Joint Fusion Surgery

What is Antinuclear Antibody Test

Yoga Mudra And Benefits

Spine Surgery

What Is Sonography Test

What is Abdominal CT Scan

Angioplasty Surgery

What Is Spirometry Test

Homeopathy for Cholesterol

MPV Blood Test

Homoeopathy For Kidney Stones

Types Of Pranayama

Make Correction in Vaccine Certificate

Full Body Detox

Cholecystectomy Surgery

Homeopathy For Constipation

Rituacharya In Ayurveda

Oxygen Concentrators

Homeopathy For Allergic Rhinitis

Foods to Eat before and after Donating Blood

Heart Surgery

Sudarshan Kriya and Its Benefits

Homeopathy For Fungal Infection

Triple Marker Test In Pregnancy

What Is Collaborative Therapy

Dog Bite Treatment

Meditation Benefits

What Is Interpersonal Therapy

What Is Occupational Therapy

Sgot Blood Test

What Is Echocardiogram

What is Colonoscopy Test

Appendectomy

Homeopathy For Asthma

What Is Bcg Vaccine Full Form

What Is Nature Therapy

Homoeopathy For Pollen Allergy

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Difference Between Homeopathy And Ayurveda

What is PET Scan Test

Side Effects Of Blood Donation

Laminectomy Procedure

Homeopathy for Diabetes

What Is Pneumonia Vaccine

What Is Hakomi Therapy

Jala Neti Benefits

What is Gastroscopy

Homoeopathy For Migraine

How To Choose The Right Therapist

Rat Bite Treatment

Vamana Therapy

How To Use A Blood Pressure Monitor

Homeopathy for Gastritis

Cataract Eye Surgery

Pacemaker Surgery

What is Kriya Yoga?

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Covishield Vaccine

What Is Kidney Function Test

Gandusha Kriya Oil Pulling

What Is Therapy For Anxiety

What Is Supportive Therapy

What Is Psychodynamic Therapy

Panchakarma Treatment

Blood Donation After Covid Vaccine

What Is Rbc In Blood Test

What is a Ventilator

Ventriculostomy Procedure

What Is Esr Blood Test Full Form

Check Pending Challan only on Digit App

Install

Check Pending Challan only on Digit App

Latest News

Currently there are no news to show.

Renew & Download Policy Document, Check Challan, Credit Score, PUC & more

51K+ Reviews

4.8

Rated App

51K+ Reviews

10K+ Reviews

4.3

Rated App

10K+ Reviews

Download the App

CIN: U66010PN2016PLC167410, IRDAI Reg. No. 158.

Go Digit General Insurance Limited (formerly known as Oben General Insurance Ltd.) - Registered Office Address - 1 to 6 floors, Ananta One (AR One), Pride Hotel Lane, Narveer Tanaji Wadi, City Survey No.1579, Shivaji Nagar, Pune-411005, Maharashtra | Corporate Office Address - Atlantis, 95, 4th B Cross Road, Koramangala Industrial Layout, 5th Block, Bengaluru-560095, Karnataka | Trade logo of Go Digit General Insurance Ltd. displayed above belongs to Go Digit lnfoworks Services Private Limited and is provided and used by Go Digit General Insurance Ltd. under license.