Computed tomography (CT) scans are safe, quick and painless. Today’s radiographic technology allows for high resolution 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 scans give 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 scans can:

• Provide early diagnosis of diseases in their most curable stages
• Improve the accuracy of a diagnosis through 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
• In some situations, reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other diagnostic procedures, which might have associated risks
• Accommodate larger patients on our scanning table, rated for higher weight support
• CT imaging is used to perform a variety of exams, including bone density studies for osteoporosis, limited sinuses, chest, abdomen and brain.