CT scans also termed as computer tomography, is an imaging test that involves taking the circular images of the body and then produces what a picture on the computer that looks like a slice through the body.

2. 
CT scans also termed as computer tomography, is an
imaging test that involves taking the circular images of
the body and then produces what a picture on the
computer that looks like a slice through the body.

Now if we try to understand what a CAT scan is and
how it is different from a CT scan then, a CAT scan
stands for computer axial tomography which is an
exactly similar to a CT scan. The images that are
acquired through a CT/ CAT scan are taken in a special
plane that is axial plane which gave CT scan another
name i.e. CAT scans. In other words we can say that
CAT scan involves taking of images axially and
tomography means slices of the body.

3. The CT scan is a screening test that can used for
diagnosis’s of different types of pathology that includes
taking detailed images of vascular bones or images that
gives information regarding the soft tissues present in
the body. Let us understand how the CT scan machine
operates:
 The patients are instructed to lie down on the machine
that is in the shape of a big doughnut that is opened
from both the sides. The table on which the patient’s lay
slowly moves into the tunnel shaped machine.
 The machine consists of an X- ray emitter that is at an
angle of 180 degrees from the receiver for the same.
Now the emitter and the receiver move simultaneously.
The X-rays emitted are received at many points by the
receiver, until it creates a perfect circle.


4. Sometime there is a possibility that images that are
obtained through in the first round are not perfect. In
such a condition the emitter moves again.
 These series of rotation around the body creates
multiple images that are termed as slices which are and
then stacks together so as to provide the physician with
a three dimensional anatomical imagery for the
concerned body part.


5. To make CT/CAT Scan a simple procedure for the
patient it is necessary that radiologist provide them with
the complete set of instructions which are necessary to
be implemented by them while going through a test.
The preparations that should be done by the patient
side are mentioned below:
 Information
regarding the medical conditions:
Providing the doctor with complete information
regarding the medical conditions such as pregnancy,
allergies or any recent surgical procedure that can make
you ineligible for the test is one of the most essential
steps that should be pursued by each patient prior to the
test.


6. Following a proper diet before the test:
Patients are advised by the doctor’s to avoid intake of
any solid food before the test. The patients are kept on
a strict liquid diet for at least four hours before the test
is performed. Sometime there is also a possibility that
you will be required to come with an empty stomach at
the diagnostic center. This main depends on the
condition of the person.
 Wear comfortable clothing:
Patients are advised to wear cloths which are loose and
comfortable. Sometime patients are instructed to put on
a hospital gown before they go for a scan.
 Removal of any accessory:
Patients are strictly advised by the radiologists to remove
all of their jewelry whether it is a watch, key, earring,
clips, dentures or any other thing that can affect the
reliability of the scan.


7. 
What are the Benefits of CT/CAT scan over
other screening tests?
Comparing a CT scan with an X-rays:
 X- Ray is a two dimensional image that involves passing
of a high electromagnetic radiation through the patient’s
body that helps in projecting an image on an X-Ray
film. Whereas a CT scan can be used as a three
dimensional imaging test. A CT scan is used to
demonstrate the working of the soft tissues in the body
that cannot be viewed on an X-Ray. The X-ray takes just
one image which sometimes doesn’t provide the
complete information. In such a situation a CT scan
provides to be useful as it takes images in the form of
slices and provide a detailed picture of the body parts.

8. Comparing CT scans with Ultrasound:
 CT scan is a more preferred scan over an ultrasound as
ultrasound mainly provides a complete one image of the
body part, whereas in the case of CT scan as is takes
slices from different angle hence it qualifies in providing
a detailed image that can help the doctor see any kind
of abnormalities or blockage in the concerned body
part.


9. Thank You