Focus on Technology: CT Scan
First developed in the 1970s, a CT Scan was once only available at large hospitals. Today, with more than 6,000 CT Scanners in the United States, almost every local community hospital, no matter how small, is equipped with these highly sophisticated medical imaging machines.
CT stands for computerized tomography. A CT Scan uses X-rays to produce cross-section images of bones and soft tissues inside the body. Similar to the slices of a loaf of bread, these images are much sharper and show much more detail than conventional X-rays.
A CT Scan is a commonly performed medical procedure, used to diagnose a multitude of medical conditions. The exam usually takes only a few minutes. CT scanners are shaped like a large doughnut with a long narrow bench going through the middle. Unlike an MRI, which has a very enclosed space, a CT Scan is more open, so the patient is not likely to experience claustrophobia.
Recent news articles focused attention on the increased radiation exposure people are receiving from CT scans, in part due to the increased availability of the technology. Of course, in most cases the benefits of having a scan generally outweigh any risks; however, talking to your physician in advance about your specific needs and risks is always recommended.
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