LIMITATIONS OF CT SCAN

pictures of soft tissues are not as clear as

they are with an MRI
generally not indicated for pregnant women
a person who is very obese may not fit into
the opening of a conventional CT unit

PREPARATION BEFORE THE TEST

EQUIPMENT

Physical Orientation

looks like a big, square doughnut

patient aperture (opening): 60 cm to 70
cm (24" to 28") in diameter
inside the covers: a rotating frame which
has an x-ray tube mounted on one side and
the banana shaped detector mounted on the
opposite side
a fan beam of x-ray is created as the
rotating frame spins the x-ray tube and
detector around the patient

Parts of the CT Scanner

patient apperture
x-ray tube
electronic x-ray detectors
gantry
computer and monitor
examination table

DURING THE PROCEDURE

Basic Operation

to acquire multiple sets of views of an object

over a range of angular orientations
based on the x-ray principal: as x-rays pass
through the body they are absorbed or
attenuated (weakened) at differing levels
creating a matrix or profile of x-ray beams of
different strength
numerous x-ray beams and a set of electronic
x-ray detectors rotate around you
special computer program processes this
series of pictures, or slices of your body, to
create
two-dimensional
cross-sectional
images, which are then displayed on a
monitor
sometimes compared to looking into a loaf of
bread by cutting the loaf into thin slices.

wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your

exam
metal objects should be left at home or
removed prior to the exam
remove hearing aids and removable dental
work
inform the doctor of any recent illnesses or
other medical conditions
women should always inform their physician
or technologist if she is
o pregnant.
o breast-feeding
o planning to use formula for 1 to 2
days if given the dye
not to eat or drink anything for several hours
beforehand, especially if a contrast material
will be used in your exam
inform your physician of any medications you
are taking and if you have any allergies
very nervous in small spaces
arrange for someone to take you home in
case you get a medicine to help you relax
(sedative) for the test.

positioning of patient on the CT examination

table lying
o flat on your back
o on your side
o on your stomach.
straps and pillows may be used to help you
maintain the correct position and to hold still
during the exam
if a contrast material is used, it will be
swallowed, injected through an intravenous
line (IV) or administered by enema, depending
on the type of examination
the table will move quickly through the
scanner to determine the correct starting
position for the scans
the table will move slowly through the
machine as the actual CT scanning is
performed
remain motionless for the length of the study,
which is typically just a few minutes.
for some studies, you will be asked to hold
your breath for up to 20 seconds
the technologist is in the next room and can
observe you through a large window

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

the IV is removed from your arm before you

go home
you will be asked to wait until the technologist
determines that the images are of high
enough quality for the radiologist to read

NEXT STEPS

CT scan is interpreted by a radiologist

results are sent to your doctor

WHEN TO ASK FOR MEDICAL CARE

having a delayed reaction to the contrast

symptoms:
o itching
o difficulty in breathing
o difficulty in swallowing
contrast leaked under the skin
o increased redness
o swelling
o pain

WHAT AFFECTS THE TEST

pregnancy
barium and bismuth show up on a CT scan
you cannot lie still during the test

metal objects, such as surgical clips, in the

belly or metal from joint replacements may
cause a problem in seeing the body area
clearly

DATA ACQUISITION

Sample preparation
Calibration
Reconstruction
Collection

FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR AN X-RAY SOURCE

size of the focal spot

spectrum of X-ray energies generated
X-ray intensity

X-RAY DETECTORS

make use of scintillating materials

influence image quality
o size
o quantity

efficiency in detecting the energy

spectrum