A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a medical imaging tool used to detect and diagnose internal diseases and injuries. If your doctor requests a CT scan, you can always trust Clear Connect Medical Imaging to deliver clear results.

What is a CT scan?

ct scan results

Specifically, CT scans use x-ray technology and computers to create images of your body. These images are displayed in thin slices, allowing healthcare providers to see the affected area in detail.

In traditional x-rays, an x-ray energy beam is aimed at the body part and can capture a picture as it passes through the skin, muscle or bone. CT scans have x-ray beams that move in a circle around the body, providing much more detail — sometimes even in a three-dimensional format.

CT scans can be done with or without a contrast dye in the bloodstream. The contrast dye can be taken orally or injected into an IV line if needed. This dye highlights certain organs, tissues or blood vessels for more prominent results.

Find Your Nearest Location

CT scan types

CT scans can evaluate various areas of the body, with each area determining the type of CT scan needed. Some of the most used CT scan procedures include but are not limited to:

CT Scans

  • CT angiography: This procedure determines the risk of heart disease, specifically looking at blood vessel damage.
  • CT abdomen scan: A technologist can capture images of the digestive system to analyze internal bleeding, abscesses or tumors.
  • Head CT: A head CT scan can help doctors identify reasons behind unexplained dizziness or headaches. It may also be done following a traumatic brain injury to assess the damage.
  • CT bone scan: CT bone scans can show a clearer image than a traditional x-ray for doctors to analyze a bone fracture or condition.
  • CT spinal scan: Spinal scans provide a noninvasive look at the spinal discs and surrounding soft tissue to determine the location of a herniated disc or other complication.

How long does a CT scan take?

During a CT scan, you will be asked to lie on a motorized table that slides through the circular CT scanner machine. As you move, an x-ray tube will rotate around you and capture the images. This whole process should only take around 30 minutes.

How to prepare for a CT scan

At Clear Connect Medical Imaging, we will help guide you through your CT scan experience. Your doctor will likely give you the following tips, but feel free to contact us with any questions.

  • Plan to arrive early to your appointment to keep schedules running smoothly.
  • Avoid eating and drinking around four hours before your exam.
  • Wear comfortable clothes, as you may need to change into a hospital gown or medical scrubs before the exam.
  • Please remove your watch, jewelry, piercings, dentures, hearing aids and all metal objects, if applicable.

Receive quality CT results with Clear Connect Medical Imaging

Clear Connect Medical Imaging prides itself on consistently precise results for clear diagnoses. Our team of technologists is happy to help in any way we can — contact us to request your CT scan appointment today.