The CT scan, also called the Computerized Tomography, scan is an important piece of medical imaging equipment that is used by all hospitals.

The CT scan is medical imaging equipment similar to the X-ray except that it provides a more detailed picture, especially of the internal organs. The CT scan uses a stationary X-ray machine to focus beams of radiation on a particular area of the individual’s body. By using an X-ray generating device that rotates, this medical imaging equipment is able to produce cross sectional images of different parts of the body.

Doctors highly recommend this medical imaging equipment to help diagnose muscle and bone disorders such as bone tumors and fractures, pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot, guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation, detect and monitor diseases such as cancer or heart disease and detect internal injuries and internal bleeding.

The CT scan is safe medical imaging equipment that can be used even on individuals who have a pacemaker on. A CT scan performed on an individual provides doctors with clearer images of the individual’s internal organs such as spleen, liver, stomach, pancreas, kidneys and blood vessels. The advantage of this medical imaging equipment is that it is the images are produced with great precision.

During a CT scan, individuals will be asked to lie down on a table inside a doughnut-shaped machine called a gantry. The X-ray tube within the medical imaging equipment rotates around the body and sends small doses of radiation through it at various angles. Detectors inside the medical imaging equipment measure the radiation leaving the individuals body and convert the radiation into electrical signals. The computer then assembles the images and displays them on a computer monitor.

Many CT scans require the individual to ingest a contrast medium before the scan. A contrast medium blocks X-rays of the medical imaging equipment and appears white on images, which can help emphasize blood vessels or other structures.

The risks of images from the medical imaging equipment include are similar to those of conventional X-rays. But doctors and other scientists believe benefits of the CT scan far outweigh the negative aspects.

This medical imaging equipment is not advised for everyone. Doctors do not recommend CT scans for individuals who are pregnant. The imaging medical equipment is also not recommended to individuals who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure and thyroid conditions.

Individuals who may be allergic to the dyes used in the contrast ink of the medical imaging equipment should let their doctors know beforehand.