Computed Tomography Scan (CT)
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to capture crossectional images of structures inside of the body.
During the test, the patient lay on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The CT scanner sends X-rays through the body area being studied. Each rotation of the scanner takes less than a second and provides a picture of a thin slice of the organ or area. The total time it takes to image the body is usually less than a few minutes. All of the pictures acquired are saved on a computer. They also can be printed.
An iodine dye (contrast material) is often used to make structures and organs easier to see on the CT pictures. The dye may be used to check blood flow, find tumors, and look for other problems. The dye can be used in different ways. It may be put in a vein (IV) in your arm, or it may be placed into other parts of the body (such as the rectum or a joint) to see those areas better. For some types of CT scans patients have to drink the dye. CT pictures may be taken before and after the dye is used.
Before a CT scan of abdomen and pelvis is performed, a patient might be asked to take oral contrast which is a barium smoothie (with different flavors such as banana or others) one hour before the scan. This is called oral contrast.
A CT scan can be used to study all parts of your body, such as the chest, belly, pelvis, or an arm or leg. It can take pictures of body organs, such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart. It also can study blood vessels, bones, and the spinal cord.
