THE CT SCAN PROCESS

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CT stands for computer assisted tomography. "CT Scans or Computer Assisted Tomography Scans, are an x-ray examination. The machine, which resembles a large donut (gantry) has a flat table which passes through it. The patient is placed on the table and slowly passed through the opening in the gantry. The images produced on film are called slices, these give the Radiologist a cross-sectional view of the scanned area, leading to more accurate and earlier diagnosis." (Canberra Imaging Group website).

The machine used at the Calvary Clinic is a Toshiba Aquilion and if you visit the Toshiba website you can access several interesting films from their Image Gallery. The CT machine acquires 4 "slices" (x-ray images at various depths) per each half-second rotation.

The patient lies on the bed which is automatically elevated. The tray, or bed, passes through the "donut" hole.	While the scan is in process the radiographer retires to a viewing room.
There are two display units in the viewing room. The patient's details are entered on this screen.	The process  might involve an oral or intravenous infusion of a contrast medium with scans taken before and after. This is the oral medium known as Gastroview which, if required, is made up to 500 mls before drinking.
These are bottles for the intravenous infusion, which are kept in a "warmer" cupboard to assist their tolerability by the patient.	In the CT process and other procedures used at the facility it is likely that the patient will have to change into a hospital gown. This is one of the change rooms.

Click on the blue buttons to visit other sections of this photo-story about imaging.

Diagnostic Imaging.

The CT scan process.

General X-Ray.

Ultrasound, Mammography, Nuclear.