Know All About CT Scan, Its Uses, Preparation, Procedure, And Risks

A CT or computed tomography scan is a diagnostic imaging technique, also known as a CAT scan. It is a kind of x-ray that shows various organs and structures of the body that can help your doctor to determine various diseases...

The question often comes about what a CT scan is. The CT (computed tomography) scan is a diagnostic tool which uses ionising radiations or a series of X-rays to create the pictures of the inside of the body, showing the internal organs. The CT scan uses a computer that creates cross-sectional images or slices of the body containing bones, blood vessels and soft tissues. A CT scan image is more detailed and clear than the traditional X-ray images.

What Does a CT Scan Show?

A CT scan shows internals of the body like-

Bones
Muscles
Blood vessels
Organs
Tissues
Body fluids etc.

What Can a CT Scan Detect?

A CT scan is often used by doctors to detect various diseases and conditions such as

Cancers and tumours
Fractured bones
Blood clots
Kidney stones
Brain injuries
Heart diseases
Bowel disorders such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, blockages, crohn’s disease
Spinal cord injuries
Internal blessings or haemorrhages
Bone or joint problems like tumours
Lungs problems such as emphysema
Excess fluid or fluid collection
It is often used to guide certain procedures like surgeries, radiation therapies etc.

Can a CT Scan Detect Cancer?

Yes, a CT scan can be used to detect cancers and its other features

Pinpoint the location of tumour or cancer
Give information about the stage of cancer
Evaluate right area for conducting biopsy procedures
To evaluate the recurrence of cancer
To verify the efficacy and effectivity of cancer treatments
For colorectal polyps or tumours that are large, a CT colonography is often used.

What is the Cost of a CT Scan?

There is no fixed price for a CT scan, although it may cost you between 5000-10000 INR depending upon certain factors

Whether the scan being conducted is a plain CT or Contrast CT
Which and how much area of body is to be evaluated
Your residence
Whether it is being done as an outpatient or inpatient facility
Your health insurance cover
From one diagnostic centre to another
Technology the diagnostic centre is using
Fee of the technologist and the doctor

What Do I Need to Prepare Before My CT Scan?

You will be guided for the preparation before a CT scan by your healthcare provider

You should not eat anything 4-5 hours before if you are to take a contrast based study
Drink only clear fluids
Wear comfortable clothes and do not wear any kind of jewellery
Inform your doctor about pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you had a barium study in past 1 2 weeks, you should inform your doctor beforehand
If you are claustrophobic, it should be intimated beforehand as you might be injected with some anti anxiety medicines or sedatives.
If you have any known allergies, you should inform them. If you developed an allergic reaction to previous contrast studies, you should inform them beforehand.

What Happens During the CT Scan?

You will be made to lie on a scan table after which the scan is conducted. Once the scan begins,

The scan table moves inside the scanner which is donut shaped.
You need to lie perfectly still, as any movement may blur out the scan images
You might need to hold your breath for a few seconds depending upon the area being scanned,
The scanner is silent during operation unlike other scanners such as MRI scanner.
Once the scan is over, the scan table slides out of the scanner.

What Are the Risks of CT Scan?

Certain side effects due to CT scan are seen

Radiation exposure- if you are pregnant, it may harm your unborn baby. The CT scan uses ionising radiation that contains the capability of destroying the tissue especially DNA which may cause genetic mutations. These genetic mutations can even cause cancer or other congenital disorders as the unborn child is more susceptible to these radiations
Contrast media- some people can develop allergic reactions to the contrast media used for contrast based CT study that may manifest as
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Itching, rash, burning or swelling at the site of contrast injection

Contrast media can lead to kidney problems as well. So it is necessary to inform your doctor if you already have kidney or other problems.

Conclusion

A CT scan uses a computer and ionising radiations to create scan images of the body. These scan images contain various organs, bones, and blood vessels and are important in diagnosing certain diseases and disorders. The contrast based CT study helps in visualising the soft tissues more clearly. A CT scan can even help in diagnosing and evaluating other features of Cancer. Health related issues should not be ignored but get evaluated from the best diagnostic centres only.

Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center for Your CT Scan?

Ganesh Diagnostic Centre has been an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.

We have CT Scan which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on CT scan.

Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations

NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.

We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic tests and scans as all services are available under one roof.

GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.

The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon CT scan Image and test reports as reports are 100% accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take for CT Scan to Complete?

The CT scan can take about an hour to complete if you are undergoing a contrast-based study. It might take 10-15 minutes time if it is a plain CT scan.

How Long to Wait for CT Report?

The reports usually take about 24-48 hours to get formed and delivered to you. Ganesh Diagnostic and imaging centre offers online report delivery as well to ensure comfort and to save resources.

What Do You Mean by CT?

A CT scan refers to the term computer tomography. It is a computerised imaging system that uses x-rays/ionising radiations to create scan images in the form of cross-sectional images also known as slices

What is a CT Scan Used For?

CT scan images show detailed pictures of bones, muscles, organs, blood vessels and other structures of the body. These images can help in determining various diseases like blood clots, bone tumours, cancers and other diseases.

Which is Better: CT or MRI?

An MRI-magnetic resonance imaging scan is considered more accurate than a CT scan. While talking about radiation exposure and safety MRI scans stand much safer as they do not use any radiation hence minimising the risk of radiation-related risks.

Is 3 CT Scans Too Many? How Many CT Scans Are Safe?

There is no fixed number for how many CT scans are safe. The number of scans usually depends on the severity of the disease and the need for monitoring them. The risks of a CT scan are very low when compared to the benefits that it offers.

How to Read a CT Scan?

The CT scan images can be read and interpreted by a professional radiologist to confirm the presence of any disease or disorder. The scan shows images in white, grey and black shades. Each organ or tissue has a certain density due to which certain shades of black and white are produced, by evaluating the deviation in their original configuration and colour, your doctor determines the presence of disease or disorder.