X-Rays Made Easy

What is It?

    The purpose of CT scans are to allow users to see the inside of an object, usually a body or body part, without having to cut the object open. CT scans are also known X-ray computer tomography or computerized axial tomography scan (CAT scan). In this computerized process, many x-ray images of the object are taken at different angles, thus producing tomographic, or cross sectional, images.

    The most common use of CT scans are for medical imaging of organs or bones inside the body. Because of computerized digital geometry processors, three-dimensional images, in this case of the body, are able to be created from the many two-dimensional images taken in a single axis of rotation. Since its introduction to the medical field in the 1970s, CT scans have been used most frequently for disease prevention and screenings, as it is the most efficient way to detect differences inside the human body without any incisions.

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How Does It Work?

    The data imaging from CT scans are able to be generated, formed, by the source of the x-ray rotating around the object. Positioned on the opposite side where sensors used to detect the x-rays. If an x-ray detected by the sensors, that indicated that there was empty space from the direction the x-ray originated from- nothing was in the way. However, if an x-ray was not detected, it was a clear tell that something had hindered it from reaching the sensor- something was in the way. With this technique and the multiple angles surrounding the stationary object, a three-dimensional image was able to be produced.

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Process

    Usually, CT scans take place in a large donut-shaped x-ray machine, which is very beneficial in acquiring many different angles for the three-dimensional image. A patient is to lie on a narrow table, and once comfortable, the table slides into the center of the scanner where the procedure takes place. The procedure can up to fifteen to twenty minutes and is very important for the patient to remain still in order for the pictures to be captured accurately. Some of the most common medical uses for CT scans are brain studies, general body scans, heart and aorta scans, and chest scans. Also, contrast agents are often used for CT scans in order to distinguish certain things, such as tumors. However, one of the most common contrast agent, iodine, has a chance of causing an allergic reaction.

 

Risks

    Unfortunately, the radiation used in CT scans able able to damage body cells, which eventually can lead to cancer. Because of this, CT scans can be performed with different settings of exposure, especially for children, since age plays a significant role in the risk of cancer from the radiation. Also, it recommended for pregnant women to not receive CT scans, because of the potential negative effects on the pregnancy and body.