CT (or CAT) scan stands for computerised (axial) tomography scan. The scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body.
The X-ray unit
A CT scanner is a large ring-shaped machine. The X-ray scanner inside the ring rotates in small movements around your body as you lie on a bed that moves backwards and forwards through the ring. As you move through the machine, the scanner uses a series of X-ray beams to scan parts of your body and build up detailed images.
The images produced by a CT scan are called tomograms. They are more detailed than standard X-rays, which use a single beam of radiation, and can give views of structures inside the body including internal organs, blood vessels, bones and tumours.
A CT scan can be used to diagnose or monitor many different health conditions, including cancer and bone disease. It is often used to provide views of your body before another procedure takes place, such as a biopsy or radiotherapy treatment.
A CT scan is painless and usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on which part of your body is being scanned.
The CT scanner
The CT scanner is a large ring-shaped machine. You will be asked to lie on a motorised bed that moves in and out of the hole. Only the part of your body that is inside the ring can be scanned.
Your radiographer will position the bed so that the correct part of your body is in the scanner. They will then leave the room and operate the scanner from a control room behind a window. This is because it is dangerous for staff to be exposed to X-rays every day. You will still be able to hear and speak to the radiographer during the procedure through an intercom.
You will be asked to lie very still and breathe normally while each scan is taken, to avoid blurring the images. You may be asked to inhale, exhale or hold your breath at certain points.
The X-ray unit inside the ring will rotate around you. Each time it goes round it creates a new X-ray scan. After each X-ray is completed, the bed on which you are lying is moved forward a small amount.
Several scans will be carried out and the whole procedure may last up to 30 minutes. You should be able to go home as soon as the scan is over.
Spiral CT scans
A commonly used scan called a spiral or helical CT scan is much faster than a standard CT scan. It can produce detailed pictures of your organs, tissue and blood vessels in a few minutes.
It is called a spiral scan because the single X-ray beam rotates around you in a spiral shape, giving a continuous picture of your body. A spiral scan produces an image of the whole body (or part of the body) that can be sliced up into different sections if needed.
CT Scan results
The results of your CT scan are not available straight away. A computer needs to process the information collected from your scan and a radiologist needs to analyse this information and write a report of your results. This report will be sent to your specialist or doctor. Ask before you leave the hospital when to expect your results. It usually takes a couple of weeks.
Related Articles
- How a CT scan is performed
- What a CT scan is used for
- Risks of a CT scan
- Radiotherapy
- Ultrasound Scan
- Chemotherapy
- Biopsy
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