Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scanning
A computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scanner allows doctors to get a detailed view of structures inside your body—including bones, organs, blood vessels and muscles—without performing surgery. Noninvasive and painless, a CT scan captures and combines multiple X-ray images to provide a cross-sectional view of your body’s internal structures.
The spiral CT scanners we use provide 3-D views of many areas of the body. Our Health Information Library offers in-depth information on the various types of CT scans, including why they’re done, how to prepare, what to expect and what the test results will show. The information is broken out into three main areas of the body:
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the body
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head and face
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the spine
Computed Tomography Angiography (CT Angiogram or CTA) Scanning
A CT angiogram uses CT scanning technology with a contrast dye to capture detailed images of blood vessels. If your doctor refers you for CTA, we encourage you to read the comprehensive explanation of a computed tomography angiogram (CT angiogram) to learn more about the procedure and what to expect.
Virtual Colonoscopy – A Noninvasive Alternative
In addition, CT scans are increasingly used to perform Virtual Colonoscopies that provide an entirely noninvasive alternative to traditional colonoscopies.
Talk to Your Doctor
We hope this information helps you gain a better understanding of CT scanning and encourage you to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about your CT scan.