What is Computed Tomography?

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is safe, quick and painless.  Today's radiographic technology allows for high resolution of images with extremely low doses of radiation.  The amount of radiation used provides much greater benefits than risks.  For example, a patient undergoing a chest x-ray will receive less radiation than he would from flying on an airplane across the country.

CT scanning gives physicians the capability to see more details  than conventional x-rays.  The procedure uses x-ray technology to produce a three-dimensional image of a cross-section of your body. A conventional x-ray produces a two-dimensional  image of an entire body area, such as an arm, leg, torso or breast.

CT scanning can:

  • provide early diagnosis of diseases in their most curable stages;
  • improve the accuracy of a diagnosis through a CT's more detailed views;
  • examine the brain, typically a difficult area to study;
  • detect enlarged lymph nodes, lung cancer, back problems and organ diseases, such as pancreatic disease; and
  • in some situations, reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other diagnostic procedures, which might have associated risk.
  • accommodate larger patients on  our scanning table, rated for higher weight support.

CT scanning is used to perform a variety of exams, including our newest:  full-body screening, heart scans, lung cancer screenings, bone density studies for osteoporosis and limited sinus. 

What to Expect >>