Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed Tomography imaging, sometimes called a CT or CAT scan, is a noninvasive medical test that can help your provider diagnose and treat your specific medical condition. CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images, or pictures, of the inside of the body.
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Learn more about our Lung Cancer Screening Program and Why choose a CT Colonoscopy?
What is a CT Scan?
Computed Tomography imaging, sometimes called a CT or CAT scan, is a noninvasive medical test that can help your provider diagnose and treat your specific medical condition. CT scans use invisible electromagnetic waves like a standard x-ray but are more detailed. While much information can be obtained from a standard X-ray, more specific information about internal organs and other internal structures is limited. CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce a series of image slices showing the topography of inside the body, in other words tomography. CT scans are also used during organ and tumor biopsies to target areas for tissue sampling and during procedures that require fluid aspiration (withdrawal) from a specific area of the body.
CT scans may be done with or without "contrast." Contrast may be taken by mouth or injected into an intravenous (IV) line. CT contrast causes the particular organ or tissue under study to be seen more clearly by the radiologist, a doctor specially trained to review and interpret imaging exams.
During CT scans, the patient will lie on a table that will slide in and out of the large circular opening while an X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This creates many different views of the same organ or structure. The X-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the X-ray data and displays it on a monitor. A radiologist will interpret those images and send a report to your provider.
What are the risks of the procedure?
There is concern over high and prolonged radiation exposure. We routinely review and incorporate dose reduction methods in our daily practice so that you always receive the lowest possible radiation exposure. Our facility is also fully accredited by the American College of Radiology assuring that our technologists and equipment are up-to-date. Our technologists are all accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and our equipment is routinely inspected by both our in-house team of medical physicists and by Oregon Radiation Protection Services. You may want to discuss these risks with your provider. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your provider immediately. Let your provider know if you have ever had a reaction to CT contrast, or if you have kidney problems. As with any medication, there is a risk for allergic reaction to the CT contrast. A seafood allergy is not considered to be a contraindication for iodinated CT contrast.