What is a CAT Scan?
Answer CAT Scan is a commonly used term that refers to Computed Axial Tomography. CAT or CT Scanning was developed after Ultrasound and uses x-ray technology. CAT Scanning is fast, patient friendly and has the unique ability to image a combination of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. It is a multi use imaging system. For many computed tomography examinations, patients may be asked to take a special contrast agent (orally, rectally or via injection). CAT Scan contrasts are pharmaceutical agents (liquids) and are sometimes referred to as “dye”. The contrast agent is used to make specific organs, blood vessels and or tissue types stand out better to reveal the presence of disease or injury. A picture produced by CAT Scanning might be compared to cutting a loaf of bread in half so that you can look at the cut surface.
A CAT scan, CT scan, or computerized axial tomography is a way of x-raying a mass in the body that allows for one to see three-dimensional views of the mass. The CAT scan for example, can allow a neurologist to essentially look at “slices” of the brain for better diagnostics in locating cranial bleeds or the presence of a tumor. A CAT scan of other organs can reveal a great deal more information than a regular X-ray, which is one-dimensional. The CAT scan tends to be completely painless, though it may require people to lie still for a long period of time. Depending on the area for which one is having a CAT scan, one may have to fast for four to six hours prior to the scan. This is particularly the case if one is having an abdominal/pelvic scan. In this case one will also be asked to drink barium, a substance that shows up on the scan to identify any trouble or blockages in the intestines. The CAT scan picture taking process usually only lasts about 10-15 minutes. It is usually the in-b
What is an MRI? Dear What is a Cat Scan? What is an MRI?, CAT scans (Computed Axial Tomography) is the process of using computers to generate a three-dimensional image from flat (i.e., two-dimensional) x-ray pictures, one slice at a time. An x-ray beam is passed through the body and moved in a circle around the body taking images from a number of angles. The body is made of bone, fat and water dense tissue that absorbs radiation at different levels, which a computer interprets and uses to create a picture. It is a relatively safe and painless procedure. A CAT scan can last from 5-30 minutes. Because it is a rather quick study, CAT scans are often used to assess trauma victims for injuries of different internal organs such as the spleen, liver, and kidneys. A CT scan is also useful in diagnosing various types of cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another type of imaging modality that is better for looking at soft tissues of the body such as the brain, spine, and joints. An MRI
