Computed Tomography scan also known as CT scan is a radio imaging technique which is commonly used for visualization and evaluation of internal body organs.
What is CT scan?
Computed Tomography scan also known as CT scan is a radio imaging technique which is commonly used for visualization and evaluation of internal body organs. It uses rotating X-ray machines along with computer to generate cross-sectional images of body tissues and organs such as soft tissues, brain, lungs, bones etc.
A CT scanner is tunnel-like machine inbuilt with rotating X-ray device which rotates inside tunnel so that it can take a series of pictures from varying angles. These image sequences are then combined using a computer to provide slices or cross-sectional images of body parts. A three-dimensional image can also be obtained using this technique.
Compared to traditional X-rays, it provides more detailed information of body organs. A CT scan can be used for assessment of body from head to toe including Spine, shoulder, chest, abdomen, shoulder, arms, knee, ankle etc.
CT scan was earlier known as CAT scan (Computed Axial Tomography scan) and both CAT scan and a CT scan are same technique.
What are the uses of a CT scan?
A CT or CAT scan test is utilized for identification, diagnosis and evaluation in a variety of clinical settings including:
1) Bone disorders and fractures
2) Muscle disorders
3) Infectious diseases
4) Inflammatory diseases
5) Identification and localization of various masses and tumours
6) Post-trauma for the evaluation of damage and extent of injuries specially Head and spine injuries.
7) Acute stroke
8) Lung diseases
9) Pulmonary embolism
10) Inflammatory bowel disease
11) Acute appendicitis
12) Diverticulitis
13) Pancreatitis
14) kidney diseases and Renal stones
15)Staging of cancers
16) Anatomical study of internal organs including blood vessels
17) To monitor the efficacy of treatment in diseases such as cancers
18) To guide biopsy procedures
19) Pre-operative before a surgical approach.
How do I prepare for a CT scan?
Follow these steps if you are going for a CT scan:
1) Get an appointment- Fix an appointment in a Diagnostic center having the facility of CT scan as it is available in limited centers.
2) Fasting - 4-5 hours fasting is required if CT test with contrast dye is scheduled especially in case of abdominal scans.
3) Inform your Doctor about all medications and supplements that you are currently taking.
4) Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Tell your Doctor about pregnancy if you are pregnant or if you breastfed your baby so that your Doctor can evaluate the risk vs benefit ratio.
5) Clothing- Wear clothes as comfortable as possible and that are easy to put on and off.
6) Allergy- Inform your Clinician about prior history of allergy to any drug or medications.
7) Implants- Inform your doctor about any implant in your body such as cardiac implant, inner ear implants, metallic dentures, neurostimulators or any type of hearing aids etc.
8) Medical reports- Don’t forget to carry all relevant medical, lab reports and any special instruction given by your physician along with you while going for CT scan. These reports may aid in better evaluation of your condition.
9) Claustrophobia and anxiety - If you have claustrophobia or anxiety disorder then don’t hesitate to tell your Doctor about it. He may give you sedative or some alternatives to help overcome this while performing test.
10) Take a company- Get accompanied by friend or family member to have mental, emotional and physical support and to drive you home.
What is the procedure for CT scan?
The procedure of CT scan includes the following steps:
1) Written consent is required before the procedure begins.
2) You will be asked to remove all the metallic elements like jewellry, hearing aids, metallic hair clips, metallic underwired bras, wallets, keys, coins, cards containing metallic strips, belts, goggles etc.
3) If CT with contrast dye is being scheduled then you will be given an intravenous injection of a contrast agent which yield high clarity images on CT scan.
4) You will be then asked to change your clothes and wear a gown provided by the technician assisting the procedure.
5) You may be provided with head phones or ear plugs to make you feel more comfortable.
6) If you have Claustrophobia or anxiety disorder, then you may be given sedatives or some other alternatives to make you feel comfortable during the scan.
7) Before scan, your assisting Doctor will explain about all the possible adverse effects of using contrast material such as itching, rash, swelling etc. Your KFT report will be required to rule out any kidney disease/pathology and to check your GFR.
8) Then you will be asked to lie supine on examination table which will slide and place you inside the scanner.
9) You need to lie still during the procedure as body movements may interfere with the quality of images produced.
10) Your Radiologist will take several images to evaluate the underlying pathology and at the end these images will be interpretated for making a definite diagnosis.
What happens after a CT scan?
* You will be allowed to exit the scanner room once the procedure is over.
* You may be asked to wait in observation room for some time to evaluate any possible side effects if contrast dye has been used.
* Drink water to eliminate contrast material from your body.
* CT scanning usually takes about 20-60 minutes depending upon the purpose, focus and part of body which is being scanned. However, it may last longer depending upon the severity of your illness and associated co-morbid conditions.
* If you breastfeed your baby then ask your Radiologist or Physician when to resume breastfeed post injection of contrast agent.
* You will get reports on the next day. However, you may get the image films on the same day if requested by your Clinician.
What are the side effects/risks of CT scan?
CT scan is safe procedure. The radiation in CT scan is low and the contrast dye doesn’t stay for longtime in your body. Drinking water can help to flush the contrast faster from your body.
However, some concerns about CT are as follows:
1) Allergic reactions to contrast agent, although rare but can happen in some individuals. However, these allergic reactions are usually mild.
2) Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid certain medications and test for the safety of baby. Ask your Doctor before undergoing a CT scan.
3) Contrast induced nephropathy may occur in some individuals specially those with kidney disease.
4) Exposure to radiation and increased risk of cancer with multiple scans especially in those with high risk factors.
Contrast dye/material used in CT scan?
CT scan is imaging modality of choice in many conditions. A Plain CT scan also known as NCCT (non-contrast enhanced CT scan) produces images in gray and black shades. In certain conditions it may be difficult to differentiate and correctly evaluate tissues and organs.
In such situations a contrast CT also known as CECT (contrast enhanced CT scan) come into play. Usually iodinated contrast agent is used in CECT test. It can be given orally or intravenously. Contrast dyes produce images with higher resolution and enhanced contrast level giving better clarity to images for easy identification of various diseases and pathologies.
However contrast agent is indicated and contra-indicated in certain situations.
For example in Acute stroke , hemorrhagic stroke , spinal injuries and closed head injuries a NCCT is preferred whereas in case of pancreatitis, acute appendicitis or staging cancer a CECT is preferred.
CT scan price in Delhi?
Cost of CT scan generally vary with city and location. Various diagnostic and imaging centers charges differently according to the quality of services they provide and the offers currently availing in them. CT scan charges also vary with the body part which need to be examined and the type of CT scan.
CT scan test is an advanced diagnostic and monitoring tool that is available at limited diagnostic centers as it requires costly and modern equipments and skilled Radiologists to perform the scan.
To choose the best diagnostic center for CT scan in Delhi. Click here!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of CT scan test including NCCT, CECT, PET-CT etc.
CT scan prices in Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) Delhi are as following:
CT Angiography Left Lower Limb
CT Angiography Venous Lower Limb
CT Angiography Right Lower Limb
CT Scan Orbit Axial and Coronal
CECT Lower Chest and Upper Abdomen
CECT Temporal Bone Axial and Coronal
CECT Pituitary Gland Axial or Coronal
CECT Biphasic/Triphasic Whole Abdomen
CT Dorsal Lumbar Spine with 3D Reconstruction
CECT Inner Ear (Axial And Coronal)
CECT Scan Bilateral Sacroiliac Joints
For more details, Click here!
Which diagnostic center is best for CT scan in East Delhi?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is the best diagnostic center for CT scan in Rohini, East Delhi.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center is now considered one of the most popular and affordable Diagnostic center in Delhi. We provide high standard quality services to our patients. Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction is our top priority. We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning.
We are having the facility of different types of CT scan including:
1) Plain CT /NCCT scan
2) CECT (contrast enhanced CT) scan
3) CT perfusion imaging such as CT angiography and CT venography
4) Sequential CT scan
5) Dual energy CT scan
6) PET CT scan
7) Electron beam tomography
8) Spiral CT scan
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of CT scan.
To book your appointment now. Click here!
Why choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center for CT scan?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is a NABH and NABL accredited top diagnostic and imaging center situated in ROHINI and various other locations of Delhi. It is equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.
Currently, we are offering 50% discount on all types of CT scan. We are open 24X7 and 365 days. You can also get free online or offline Consultation with our Senior Radiologist, Dr. Ravin Sharma regarding any imaging and scanning test.
We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR. We are also empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.
For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) today or Call us now!
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