Computed Tomography
(CT) Scan

What is a computed tomography (CT) scan?

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a computerised X-ray imaging test that relies on narrow X-ray beams directed at the patient and rotated around the body to create cross-sectional images, also known as “slices” or tomographic images. The computer then gathers several successive slices and digitally combines them to form a three-dimensional image of particular regions of the body. Doctors can identify basic structures and potential tumours or other abnormalities through these images.

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How is a CT scan done?

A CT scan uses a motorised X-ray source that moves around the gantry. The patient lies flat on the bed while the X-ray tube travels around him/her, directing narrow X-ray beams through the body. After each full rotation, the CT computer uses advanced mathematical methods to develop a two-dimensional slice of the patient. The density of the tissue in each image slice varies depending on the type of CT machine used. The X-ray scanning process is repetitively carried out to obtain the desired number of slices.

Why do you need a CT scan?

A CT scan is taken to identify injury or disease occurring in specific regions of the body. CT scans are resourceful screening tools to locate potential tumours and lesions in a part of the body, like the abdomen.

The CAT scans performed include the following:

HEAD (this lists will be put into an accordion menu style that allows the user to open and close to view the information)

CT BRAIN NON CONTRAST
CT BRAIN PRE & POST CONTRAST
CT FACIAL BONES/MANDIBLE/NASAL BONES
CT ORBITS NON CONTRAST
CT ORBITS PRE & POST CONTRAST
CT INNER/MIDDLE EAR/TEMPORAL BONES NON CONTRAST/HIGH RESOLUTION
CT INNER/MIDDLE EAR/TEMPORAL BONES PRE & POST CONTRAST
CT SELLA TURCICA/PITUITARY FOSSA
CT BRAIN ANGIOGRAM

NECK

CT PAROTID GLANDS PRE & POST CONTRAST
CT NECK /BASE OF SKULL TO CLAVICLE PRE & POST CONTRAST
CT CAROTIDS ANGIOGRAM

CHEST

CT CHEST High RESOLUTIONCT CHEST NON CONTRAST
CT CHEST PRE & POST CONTRAST
CT PULMONARY ANGIONGRAM/CTPE
CT THORACIC ANGIOGRAM/AORTA

ABDOMEN & PELVIS

CT ABDOMEN & PELVIS NON CONTRAST
CT ABDOMEN & PELVIS PRE& POST CONTRAST
CT ABDOMEN & PELVIS ANGIOGRAM/AORTA
CT PELVIS(BONE) NON CONTRAST
CT IVP
CT ADRENAL GLANDS

UPPER LIMBS

CT ELBOW
CT HAND
CT WRIST
CT HUMERUS
CT SHOULDER (BONE)
CT SHOULDER PRE & POST CONTRAST
CT UPPER ARM ANGIOGRAM

LOWER LIMBS

CT FOOT
CT ANKLE
CT LOWER LEG
CT FEMUR
CT THIGH PRE & POST CONTRAST
CT KNEE
CT LOWER LEG ANGIOGRAM/PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAM/RUN-OFF

CANCER STAGING

BASE OF SKULL TO PELVIS PRE & POST CONTRAST
CHEST,ABDOMEN & PELVIS PRE & POST CONTRAST
BRAIN,BASE OF SKULL TO PELVIS PRE & POST CONTRAST

CT SPINAL IMAGING

CT CERVICAL SPINE
CT DORSAL SPINE
CT LUMBAR, SACRAL AND PELVIS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a contrast agent?

Soft tissues are incredibly difficult to see on an X-ray. For this reason, contrast agents are developed, making it easy to image soft tissues on X-ray or CT scans and safe to use in patients. Contrast agents are administered orally or intravenously to highlight certain structures in the body that are hard to detect during a standard scan.

Are there any adverse effects of a CT scan?

CT scans rely on the use of X-rays. All X-rays emit ionising radiation, which has the potential to result in biological effects on tissue. However, the risk of cancer occurring from X-ray exposure is relatively small.

How long does a CT scan last?

Depending on the region imaged. Anything from a few seconds to a few minutes.