At Radiology Center at Harding, our new GE Optima Scanner is capable of performing CT scans for all body parts that they are generally ordered for by physicians. In addition we also perform preventative and well being screening exams such as Cardiac Scoring, Lung Screening and Virtiual Colonoscopy which have become very popular of late as people are becoming more health conscience and like to stay on top of their health. These screening exams are a great way of giving you a better understanding of some of the vital organs of your body. Speak to your physician and Call us to schedule one of these.

What is Computed Axial Tomography (“CT” or “CAT” scan)?

A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, is a medical imaging procedure that uses computer-processed combinations of many X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional (tomographic) images (virtual "slices") of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting.

Multi-Slice Spiral CT scanning represents the latest advancement in CT scan technology. CT scanning has been in existence since the mid-70’s and the concept of multi-slice allows for more than 1 spiral at a time, further improving the accuracy of the images, and further shortening the time it takes to produce them.

Multi-slice spiral also allows for overlap of the images that are taken so that reconstructions can then be produced in 2 and 3 dimensions. This is extremely helpful when studying vascular structures, such as aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. CT angiography can also be used to study other arteries both before and after surgery. CT has shown great promise as a way to study the arteries of the heart in a less invasive way than traditional angiography.

Spiral computed tomography scanning can look at bones that have been fractured or dislocated, and virtually any of the internal organs can be imaged with great anatomic detail. In evaluating patients with cancer, CT scanning is extremely helpful, both in looking at tumors and also in measuring improvement after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. CT scan is an excellent test for diagnosing kidney stones, appendicitis, and pulmonary embolism.

Osteoporosis causes 1.5 million fractures annually and affects 10 million people, usually without causing any symptoms until a fracture occurs. CT bone density testing gives accurate measurements of bone density so that patients at risk can be given bone-building medication.

Other uses for CT scanning include scanning of the sinuses for sinusitis, and screening CT of the chest for smokers and former smokers. Studies have shown that x-ray diagnosis of lung cancer occurs so late that many times surgery cannot be performed. Patients who receive CT scans of the chest on a regular basis, however, can usually be diagnosed when tumors are stage 1, increasing their cure rate. The concept is similar to that of screening mammography.

As software and hardware continues to improve, our ability to perform noninvasive types of evaluations will only improve as well.