CT scans also termed as computer tomography, is animaging test that involves taking the circular images ofthe body and then produces what a picture on thecomputer that looks like a slice through the body.

Now if we try to understand what a CAT scan is andhow it is different from a CT scan then, a CAT scanstands for computer axial tomography which is anexactly similar to a CT scan. The images that areacquired through a CT/ CAT scan are taken in a specialplane that is axial plane which gave CT scan anothername i.e. CAT scans. In other words we can say thatCAT scan involves taking of images axially andtomography means slices of the body.

The CT scan is a screening test that can used fordiagnosis’s of different types of pathology that includestaking detailed images of vascular bones or images thatgives information regarding the soft tissues present inthe body. Let us understand how the CT scan machineoperates:

The patients are instructed to lie down on the machinethat is in the shape of a big doughnut that is openedfrom both the sides. The table on which the patient’s layslowly moves into the tunnel shaped machine.

The machine consists of an X- ray emitter that is at anangle of 180 degrees from the receiver for the same.Now the emitter and the receiver move simultaneously.The X-rays emitted are received at many points by thereceiver, until it creates a perfect circle.

Sometime there is a possibility that images that are

obtained through in the first round are not perfect. In

such a condition the emitter moves again.

These series of rotation around the body creates

multiple images that are termed as slices which are and

then stacks together so as to provide the physician with

a three dimensional anatomical imagery for the

concerned body part.

To make CT/CAT Scan a simple procedure for thepatient it is necessary that radiologist provide them withthe complete set of instructions which are necessary tobe implemented by them while going through a test.The preparations that should be done by the patientside are mentioned below:

Information regarding the medical conditions:Providing the doctor with complete informationregarding the medical conditions such as pregnancy,allergies or any recent surgical procedure that can makeyou ineligible for the test is one of the most essentialsteps that should be pursued by each patient prior to thetest.

Following a proper diet before the test:

Patients are advised by the doctor’s to avoid intake of

any solid food before the test. The patients are kept on

a strict liquid diet for at least four hours before the test

is performed. Sometime there is also a possibility that

you will be required to come with an empty stomach at

the diagnostic center. This main depends on the

condition of the person.

Wear comfortable clothing:

Patients are advised to wear cloths which are loose and

comfortable. Sometime patients are instructed to put on

a hospital gown before they go for a scan.

Removal of any accessory:

Patients are strictly advised by the radiologists to remove

all of their jewelry whether it is a watch, key, earring,

clips, dentures or any other thing that can affect the

reliability of the scan.

What are the Benefits of CT/CAT scan over

other screening tests?

Comparing a CT scan with an X-rays:

X- Ray is a two dimensional image that involves passing

of a high electromagnetic radiation through the patient’s

body that helps in projecting an image on an X-Ray

film. Whereas a CT scan can be used as a three

dimensional imaging test. A CT scan is used to

demonstrate the working of the soft tissues in the body

that cannot be viewed on an X-Ray. The X-ray takes just

one image which sometimes doesn’t provide the

complete information. In such a situation a CT scan

provides to be useful as it takes images in the form of

slices and provide a detailed picture of the body parts.

Comparing CT scans with Ultrasound:

CT scan is a more preferred scan over an ultrasound as

ultrasound mainly provides a complete one image of the

body part, whereas in the case of CT scan as is takes

slices from different angle hence it qualifies in providing

a detailed image that can help the doctor see any kind

of abnormalities or blockage in the concerned body

part.

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