What is a CT or CAT scan?
A CT or CAT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called “slices”) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels and organs. In computed tomography, the x-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows many different views of the same organ or structure, and provides much greater detail. The x-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the x-ray data and displays it in 2-dimensional form on a monitor. In some cases, the data is sent to a special computer that produces 3D pictures. CT scans may be done with or without contrast. “Contrast” refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into an intravenous (IV) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to be seen more clearly. Contrast examinations require special preparation.
