Diagnostic CT

A diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scan is a radiology procedure that uses sophisticated x-ray equipment to create highly detailed pictures of internal areas of the human body. It may also be called a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. Diagnostic CTs may help specialists detect disorders or identify how a disease is responding to treatment.

The word “tomography” comes from the Greek root tomos, meaning slice. A CT scan takes a continuous spiral series of images that show organs, bones, or other tissues in thin slices that a computer program combines into 3-D images.

CT scanners are large, donut-shaped machines that rotate around patients when they pass through on a motorized table. A radiology technologist operates the scanner from an adjoining room. In some cases, patients may take a contrast agent, or “dye”, orally or intravenously, to make specific tissues or organs appear distinct during the scan.

Having a CT procedure is painless, although the machine can be loud, and patients must lie still during the process. Mobile Molecular Imaging uses state-of-the-art technology to produce images with more speed and accuracy than ever before.