Diagnostic systems sometimes require greater precision to identify diseases and pathologies. One of these non-invasive medical tests, that is, does not require a puncture or cut in the patient’s body, is the CT scan.
What is a CT? Is that the same as an MRI? When is it recommended one and when another? To shed light on the many doubts and fears of citizens regarding this type of diagnostic test, we will explain more in-depth the Computerized Axial Tomography or TAC: what is and how it is done.
What Is The TAC?
Computerized axial tomography (CT) (CT), which is also called CT, is a diagnostic test to obtain radiographic images of the individual’s interior using three-dimensional X-rays and images.
This Computing Tomography can be performed in two different ways, both equally valid. On the one hand, oral contrast, which is a slowly drinking fluid, can be used, it is allowed to circulate through the body, and the patient is inserted into the CT scan, or by contrast IV, which is inserted into the body through an intravenous line that injects it directly into the vein.
What is the contrast function in the TAC? This liquid makes areas or specific areas of the organism resal, which helps computing and X-rays take a clearer and sharper image of the body and its possible pathologies.
How Does It Feel During The CT Scan And After The Test?
Do I feel pain or discomfort during the CT scan? This is a common doubt among patients who are going to undergo a CT test. However, all CT exams are painless (except for the case that they have to open a track), easy, and fast.
Unlike MRI scans, there is no risk of feeling claustrophobia here, since the device’s denut is not closed. There are also no strange and constant noises like in resonances.
TC and CT Are The Same?
Medical jargon is used interchangeably with one or the other to refer to the tomographic test. However, CT is one of the multiple options for Computerized Tomography that can be performed on a patient (PET or positron emission tomography, CT scan of the abdomen, chest, spine… there are about twenty tests of Computing Tomography that can be done.
However, where there are the greatest differences between MRI and CT scans.
Differences and similarities between MRI and MCT
Both tests are used for the diagnosis of pathologies or morphological situations not visible with the usual tests. Both MRI and CT scans are harmless and reveal the same elements inside the body. Some diseases can be diagnosed with one or the other: everything depends on the professionalism and quality of vision offered by each device.
Specialists point out that, as resonance systems develop better, those used by X-rays will be abandoned due to exposure to the radiation they involve. However, for now, for heart, lung, or digestive system diseases, CT has no competitor at the moment.
Among its great differences, is the fact that in the resonance the X-rays are NOT used (point in their favor), but it does require a limited space, of a very small surface, that can become torture for those suffering from claustrophobia. On the other hand, the resonance, or rather the resonance tube, emits loud and annoying sounds that not everyone can withstand during the 10 to 40 minutes it lasts (another difference with the CT).
Finally, the resonance focuses more on the visualization of the soft parts, while CT is used to see essentially bones and lungs.
How A CT Is Made?
The CT test is done with an instrument called a tomographer (scanner) that has an unmistakable doughnut form. Inside this one, a stretcher moves, which is where the patient lies. Except in specific cases, where the patient is lying face up. In the time the stretcher moves in the CT hole, it does several X-rays, with which, thanks to the computer, a 3D image of the state of our body is built. In this way, specialists can detect unseen abnormalities with another type of test.
To get a CT, you have to take off your street clothes and use one of the hospital robes offered by doctors, except in the case of cranial CTs, where it will not be necessary. However, no bearing metal elements (rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, etc.), as could interfere with the test results.
If contrast is needed orally, the patient should drink the papilla with the contrast element, barium. In the cases of an intravenous line, they shall open a pathway and supply the contrast with a syringe.
Throughout the process, the patient mustn’t move. Depending on the nature of the test, the patient can be asked not to breathe momentarily.
In any case, this is an outpatient test that does not require admission for the patient. It is very important to be relaxed at all times and follow the instructions of the specialist and the auxiliaries. If you have an allergy to iodine or it is believed that the case may be, warn immediately as it can generate a reaction in the body to the contrast.
How Long Does It Take For A CT?
Although the tomograph images are seen during the same test, the time delay between the test and the results is because the interpretation of these images requires a detailed analysis by the specialist. Every TAC test report specifies the type of test that has been developed and the elements found to confirm the physician’s theory.
When To Do A CT Scan?
What situations can my doctor refer to a CT? Computed tomography is used especially when the patient has trauma, to find internal bleeding, lesions, and organ damage.
If the patient shows any of the symptoms that make the doctor suspect a tumor or cancer, it is also common to use it to rule out ramifications. Similarly, it is used to calibrate spinal injuries and some infections.
Among the results sought are tumors (benign or malignant), abscesses, bone fractures, or malformations. It is also used to find thrombi, vascular infarctions (due to obstruction of an artery), or bleeding.
People who have an allergy to iodine or any of the components used for contrasts should not be subjected to a CT scan. In cases where the specialist intuits that there may be an injury to the digestive tract, no oral contrast but intravenous contrast will be used. However, this is contraindicated for people with kidney or heart problems, or if there is skin cancer or melanomas.