CAT scans use X-rays to generate cross-sectional and 3D images of the body to analyze internal structures and identify illnesses or injuries. They provide better visualization than traditional X-rays and allow doctors to diagnose problems more easily. Patients should remove any metal objects before a scan and avoid eating or drinking beforehand. The scanning process is usually painless but some may find it uncomfortable or stressful if claustrophobic. CAT scans have benefits like being painless, accurate, and providing more detailed images than X-rays, but also pose small radiation risks.

1. CAT Scans By: KAT Malat and Mark Rocha

2. What is a CAT Scan? Definition: Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) is an x-ray procedure that utilizes x-rays to generate cross sectional views and also of 3D images of the body. It is used to analyze internal structures of the body,to identify ailments, injuries, or even infections. Different views of the abdomen.^ Dual Source CT Scans

3. Why are they preformed? For example cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders, can all be found by looking at the images from the CAT scan. CAT scans are preformed to look closer into the internal parts of the body after an injury. They provide a better look into the body then x-rays, which allows radiologists to diagnose problems or diseases easier. Cancer in the lungs. <<

4. How Should You Prepare? In order to prepare for a CAT scan, you should wear loose fitting clothes and no metal objects, such as hairpins, jewelry, dentures, glasses, and etc. If a metal object is detected in the scanner, it may interrupt with the images taken by the CT scan. You should not drink or eat anything several hours before the exam and should let your physician know about any medication or allergies you might have, such as allergies to contrast material or ‘dye’. The doctor also needs to have knowledge of recent medical conditions or illnesses, and if you have ever had a heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease, this may increase the risk of an unusual effect.

5. How they work. A regular CAT Scan is a 64 slice scanner and takes 10 seconds to get a realistic image of a beating heart to locate blood clots and other heart conditions. The scan acts just like a camera with a fast shutter speed. How the CAT Scan works While being examined, a small burst of radiation is aimed and passes through the body. The images are then recorded on a photographic film or on a special image recording plate. The white in the picture represents the bone, the grey represents tissue, and the black represents air. There is also a different type of scanner called the Duel Source scanner which has less radiation, greater detail in the images, and most of the patients don’t need drugs.

6. The experience during and after the scan. The scanning is usually easy and painless, but for some people it might be uncomfortable by not being able to move for several minutes and if you have claustrophobia, it might be stressful. If a contrast material is used during the process, you will feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted in your vein. You might have a warm, flushed sensation after the injection and a metallic taste in your mouth, but that taste goes away in several minutes. Patients might also develop itching and hives during the process, but that can be relieved by medication. When entering the CAT scanner, you will see special lights to make sure that you are positioned correctly, then you will hear a slight buzzing as the machine turns around you. You will be alone in the room, but the physician will talk to you at all times.

7. The Benefits of a CAT Scan. A CAT scan has many benefits. It is painless and accurate and the examinations are fast and simple. A major advantage of the CAT scan is that it provides a more detailed image of bones, tissues, and blood vessels, then the x-ray does. It is a lot more useful the the MRI in that the CAT is less sensitive to movement and can be preformed on you even if having an implanted medical device. Any diagnosis determined by the CAT scan, may decrease your chances of having to have any type of surgical procedure. < an x-ray vs. a CAT scan image >

8. The Risks. There are many risk when going in the CAT scanner. The exposure to radiation in the machine, makes it possible to develop cancer. The radiation in the machine ranges from approximately two to 10 mSv, which is about as much as you should receive from background radiation in 3 to 5 years. When women are getting a CAT scan, they have to be sure to tell their physician if the are pregnant or not, and if they are, the CAT scan can put the baby in high risk. Nursing mothers should wait about 24-48 hours until they start breast feeding again, because the injection of dye used for the CAT scan.