Diagnostic Procedures

MRI is used for a variety of diagnostic purposes. It is most often used to obtain information that hasn’t been provided by other imaging techniques, including ultrasound, conventional x-ray, or computed tomography. In general, MRI is used to: Determine exactly what the problem is inside the body Show exactly where the problem is Rule out […]

For an “ordinary” MRI, no special preparation is required, but leave any jewelry or other metal objects at home. Under certain conditions, specialized MRIs require dietary restrictions provided by the physician. These include: When the MRI requires injection or ingestion of a contrast agent (a dye used for image enhancement) When sedation or anesthesia is

CT contrast agents, sometimes referred to as “dyes,” are used to highlight specific areas so that the organs, blood vessels, or tissues are more visible. By increasing the visibility of all surfaces of the organ or tissue being studied, they can help the radiologist determine the presence and extent of disease or injury. Contrast agents are

If an intravenous contrast agent will be used, the procedure will be explained and the patient will be asked to sign a consent form. The needle will then be placed and taped down. The technologist settles the patient on the scanner’s “couch.” The technologist glides the couch into place within the opening of the gantry, using cross-hair

When the scan is complete, the couch glides out of the scanner. If the patient changed into a hospital gown before the exam, he/she will be permitted to get dressed. However, the radiologist usually asks the patient to wait while the images are reviewed, in case more images are necessary. After the CT images are

Here are some frequently asked questions related to CT scan. Q: Does CT hurt? A: CT imaging itself is painless. The patient is required to remain motionless during the examination (which is difficult for some people), but the actual scan causes no bodily sensation. Q: How long will the CT take? A: The length of a complete

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to CT scan. Computed Tomography (CT), also known as Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), is a painless, sophisticated x-ray procedure that uses a computer to provide images of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. CT imaging is considered a safe examination. While CT does involve

Here are definitions of medical terms related to CT scan. Contrast Agent: A substance used to “highlight” an organ or tissue during examination. Sometimes referred to as a “dye.” Common contrast agents are: iodine, barium, and gastrografin. Endoscopy: Examination of a body cavity by means of an endoscope, a tube-like instrument with attached lenses and light source.

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on CT scan. Radiology Information, presented by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and American College of Radiology (ACR): CT Scanning of the Abdomen:http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/ct-abdomen.htm Body:http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/ct_of_the_body.htm Head:http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/ct_of_the_head.htm Blood vessels:http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/CT-angiography.htm Imaginis: Computed Tomography Imaging http://www.imaginis.com/ct-scan/

Original CT scanners (1974 to 1987) would spin 360° in one direction and make an image (or slice), then spin 360° in the other direction to make a second slice. Between each slice, the machine would stop completely and reverse directions while the patient table was moved forward by an increment equal to the thickness

In general, no special preparation is required for a CT scan. Comfortable, loose clothing should be worn, although in some cases a patient will be asked to change into a hospital gown for the examination. It is also important to remove any metal prior to the exam: jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, belt buckles, and metal zippers

Computed tomography (CT), also known as Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), is a painless, sophisticated x-ray procedure. Multiple images are taken during a CT or CAT scan, and a computer compiles them into complete, cross-sectional pictures (“slices”) of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. A CT scan obtains images of parts of the body that cannot