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CT Scan
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan provides images superior to simple X-rays, using the same form of X-ray radiation. The CT scan offers the best possible images of bones, soft tissues of organs, intervertebral discs, and the spinal cord. The images produced are black and white and of extremely high quality, although with modern technology, we can now also obtain colored images.
During the CT scan, various contrast agents may be used, which are injected intravenously into the patient. The CT scan significantly helps in the diagnosis of herniated discs, fractures, spinal metastasis inflammation, spinal canal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
CT scans involve some level of radiation exposure, so they are ordered only when deemed necessary for diagnosis (i.e., when MRI is not sufficient).
What equipment is required for the procedure?
The CT scanner is like a large ring into which the patient enters. The space provided is large, and in no way does the patient feel claustrophobic. The machine rotates around the patient. During the rotation of the machine around them, images are produced and captured by the computer, which then reconstructs them to form cross-sectional images of the body. These cross-sections are either axial, meaning vertical along the patient’s body, or composite in the frontal and anteroposterior-lateral planes.
Preparation before the CT scan
No special preparation is required from the patient. Just like with a simple X-ray, the patient does not need to refrain from food or liquids, except when a contrast agent is planned to be used.
In any case, the patient should remove jewelry and metallic objects to prevent interference with the scan. The patient should wear comfortable clothing so that they do not feel pressure or discomfort throughout the examination.
After removing jewelry and metallic objects, the patient lies on the CT scanner bed and remains still during the exam. The duration does not exceed a few minutes, during which the technologist observes the patient and the images that form on the computer screen.
What is the cost of a CT scan?
The cost of a CT scan depends on the type of exam. Please contact us for more information regarding the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions about CT Scans
How long does a CT scan take?
The test takes no more than a few minutes. During this time the patient lies still, while the technologist watches the patient and the images on the screen. The CT scanner is open and spacious, so patients do not feel claustrophobic.
What does a CT scan of the spine show?
A CT scan gives the best possible image of the bones, soft tissues, intervertebral discs and spinal cord. It helps greatly in diagnosing a herniated disc, fractures, inflammation and metastases of the spine, narrowing of the spinal canal and degenerative disc disease.
CT or MRI for the lower back?
A CT scan involves some exposure to radiation, so it is ordered only when it is needed for the diagnosis, that is, when an MRI is not enough. For example, in spinal stenosis, CT and above all MRI show how far the narrowing extends and the pressure on the nerve roots.
How is a CT scan done?
The patient does not need any special preparation and does not need to avoid food or drinks, unless a contrast agent is planned. The patient removes jewelry and metal objects, lies on the CT table and stays still, while the machine turns around them and the computer turns the data into cross-sectional images of the body.