Computed Tomography (CT)

At Ballad Health, we utilize advanced technology to help diagnose your conditions at earlier stages, which means earlier treatment for potentially better outcomes.

Computed tomography, or CT, is an X-ray examination performed by a special scanner and computer. It provides more detailed images of your body’s tissues and vessels than conventional X-rays.

The CT scanner takes pictures of your body in multiple cross-sections or slices, similar to the slices in a loaf of bread, allowing visualization of images in three dimensions.

Advantages of a CT scan

A CT scan is a painless, noninvasive method to accurately view the health of tissues and vessels throughout your body.

It diagnoses diseases and disorders of the digestive system, brain, organs, urinary system, appendix, liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. It also locates or confirms the presence of tumors, identifies sources of pain, and diagnoses vascular disorders that can lead to stroke, heart attack or kidney failure.

CT examinations aid in planning radiation treatments for tumors and for guiding biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures.

Common uses of CT

• Evaluate coronary artery disease
• Diagnose vascular disorders
• Detect abscesses and infections
• Identify strokes and bleeding in the head
• Assist in needle-guided procedures
• Detect presence of tumors
• Evaluate bone fractures
• Identify diseases and disorders of the digestive system and pulmonary system

Low-dose radiation CT scanning

Radiation dose reduction is a priority for us at our facilities. Our CT scanners reduce exposure to radiation while still providing high-quality CT images.

It can be especially helpful for patients who require multiple radiation exposures over a long period of time or for children whose immature tissues can be more sensitive to radiation.

The procedure

The technologist will begin by positioning you on the CT examination table.

A nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a small vein in your hand or arm. To make a clearer picture of certain parts of the body, a small dose of contrast material (X-ray dye) may be injected through the IV.

The entire exam usually takes less than one hour.

Accredited, high-quality imaging

Several Ballad Health locations are accredited in CT Scanning tests by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

That means you benefit from:

• Strict steps we take to make sure your test is performed the right way and leads to correct results
• Highly qualified staff
• Up-to-date technology