CT Scan

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Overview

A CT scan is an imaging technology to see inside your body. CT scans can show bones, joints, organs, blood vessels — pretty much everything!

CT scans can reveal the cause of your symptoms. They can find problems in the body before they cause any symptoms. They can also help doctors see whether cancer is going away with treatment.

How Does a CT Scan Work?

CT imaging uses radiation beams to produce images. Tissue, bone and other structures in the body absorb the radiation in different amounts. A computer analyzes the radiation beams as they pass through to the other side to form images.

While an x-ray uses a single radiation beam, a CT scan takes that x-ray beam and moves it in a circle around the body. This is why CT machines are doughnut shaped. CT scans capture more detailed, 3D images, compared to x-rays.

Besides diagnosing a broad range of conditions, CT radiology scans are useful for people without symptoms. They can reveal early signs of heart problems and lung cancer, and help you avoid a health crisis.

CT Scans Can Help You Reduce Your Heart Attack Risk

Just like plaque can build up around your teeth, plaque can build up in the arteries. But the consequence is much worse — plaque in the arteries can cause heart disease and heart attacks.

Calcium scoring uses low-dose CT technology to see the arteries in the heart. The radiologist can then measure the amount of calcium in the arteries. Calcium is an important part of plaque.

If you have a moderate to high calcium score, your doctor may recommend medications as well as lifestyle changes.

CT Scans Can Find Lung Cancer Early

America's top lung experts recommend low-dose CT lung screening for long-term or heavy smokers between ages 50 and 80. This gives doctors a chance to find lung tumors when they're small and contained to one area. For cancer, early detection is good. Doctors can use less intense treatments. And treatments are much more likely to work when we find cancer early.

How do you know if you smoke enough to need lung screening? Multiply your average number of packs in a day by the years you've been smoking. If you get 20 or more, you qualify. (As an example, someone who smokes a pack a day for at least 20 years should check their lungs. So should someone who smokes a half pack a day for at least 40 years.)

overview

Why Choose Luminis Health Imaging for Your CT Scan

We're accredited by the top body in the U.S. for imaging, the American College of Radiology (ACR). This accreditation means our equipment, training and practices measure up to the gold standard.

We'll always use the lowest dose of radiation to show the parts of your body your doctor needs to see. That's why we've signed on to the Image Wisely and Image Gently pledges. These programs, led by the ACR, help us stay at the forefront of safe radiology testing.

If you're booking a lung screening or calcium scoring test, you can book using our simple online system. (Or give us a call if you prefer!) We also offer convenient evening and weekend appointments.

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What to Expect for Your CT Scan

Most CT scans don't need you to follow any instructions beforehand. But some tests require contrast dyes. This is a solution you drink or take through an IV that travels through your blood. In the scan, the dye contrasts with the blood vessels and tissues and can enhance image quality.

If you have a CT scan that uses a contrast, you'll have rules about what you can eat or drink before the test. But don't worry, we'll call you before your test to explain the instructions and answer any questions you have.

We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your imaging test, so you have time to register and get ready. Please wear loose-fitting clothing without metal parts like zippers. (Or you can change into a hospital gown once you're here.)

On the day of the test, your technologist explains the test and goes over a safety checklist. You'll then lie on a table that moves into a doughnut-shaped machine. Because the machine is open on either side, most people don't feel claustrophobic. But if you have any concerns about the test, don't hesitate to let the technologist know.

The test itself is over in minutes. Your doctor contacts you as soon as possible to go over your imaging results. In the meantime, you can go about your day happy you've taken charge of your health.