How does CT work?

CT uses X-rays to perform its work. These X-rays come from an X-ray tube which is placed inside a round machine called the gantry. The part of your body to be scanned goes inside a hole in this gantry.

Why is CT such a good modality?

Ordinary X-ray pictures are one-dimensional representations of body parts but CT allows us to section the body to view its inner parts. Thus, the skull X-ray only shows us the outer part, whereas CT shows us the inner parts of the brain.

Where is CT useful?

All parts of the body can be scanned with CT. For each part, there are specific indications or reasons for scanning. Your referring doctor and the consultant radiologist are the best judges of the usefulness of CT scanning in a specific situation and areas.

Are there any dangers of CT scanning?

Though X-rays involve radiation, there are no dangers, in practice. In women who are pregnant, however, CT scanning should be done after weighing all the risks.

What are the standard instructions that the patient should follow?

• Please get all the old X-rays, Sonography, CT and MR films along with the other papers, operative notes, discharge cards, etc. relevant to the case.
• Please come fasting for at least six hours, prior to the scan.
• There should, preferably be an accompanying friend or relative.
• Please inform the doctor, nurse or the receptionist, if you are at high risk for "dye" injection, as described above, i.e. if you have a history of drug reactions, bronchial asthma, cardiac or kidney disease, etc.
• Please inform the doctor, nurse or the receptionist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant