What is a CT Scan?
Computerized Tomography (CT) is a diagnostic examination that combines the use of x-radiation with computer technology to produce images of the body.
Rather than depicting the outlines of bones and organs, a CT examination generates a three-dimensional computerized model of the inside of the body (as opposed to a regular x-ray scan, which produces a two-dimensional image, lacking in detail).
The examination enables the body to be examined in "slices", so the physician can use the CT to focus on a specific "slice" of a specific organ or body part. These cross-sections and images enable the recognition of processes and diseases that have an anatomic (structural) expression in the region examined, as well as an assessment of the internal tissues and organs, blood vessels and bones.
How does the CT work?
The CT scanner is a special x-ray machine, which generates images of cross-sections ("slices") of your body.
The scanner is shaped like a large ring, into which your body enters.
The scanner is shaped like a large ring, into which your body enters.
A narrow x-ray beam originating from the ring rotates all the way around you. The beam passes through your body, and is absorbed by electronic detectors on the opposite side of the ring. The information obtained is conveyed to a computer which generates an image of the internal structure of the body.
It takes about one second to generate the image of one section ("slice"), whose thickness may be from one millimeter to one centimeter. Some 40 such images may be generated in one examination, depending on the type of region being scanned.
Examination Procedure
If you know that you are sensitive to iodine, if you are asthmatic, or if there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please inform the professional staff of Mor-Mar.
Metal objects are liable to impair the quality of the images. Therefore, please try to avoid wearing clothing with metal zippers or studs. Prior to the examination, hair clips, jewelry, spectacles, hearing aids and false teeth should be removed. For examinations of the abdomen, pelvis, chest, and neck and brain tissue, a complete fastis required for four hours prior to the examination.
For examinations of the abdomen, you will have to drink several cups of a water-based, almost tasteless fluid, therefore you must arrive two and a half hours before the beginning of the examination itself. In the event of a CT scan with contrast material, you must arrive two and a half hours before the examination. There is no need to fast prior to orthopedic examinations (spinal column, arms and legs).
During the examination, you lie on the examination bed, which moves into the CT machine. The imaging apparatus will rotate around you and scan. It is important to lie still during the examination, to enable accurate and reliable information to be obtained. In some cases, contrast medium will be injected after the examination begins. Normal activity may be resumed immediately after the examination. It is advisable to drink large amounts of water in order to speed up the passing of the contrast material from the body. After examination of the abdomen, in which drinking of contrast material is required, irregularity in intestinal activity may be experienced.
Metal objects are liable to impair the quality of the images. Therefore, please try to avoid wearing clothing with metal zippers or studs. Prior to the examination, hair clips, jewelry, spectacles, hearing aids and false teeth should be removed. For examinations of the abdomen, pelvis, chest, and neck and brain tissue, a complete fastis required for four hours prior to the examination.
For examinations of the abdomen, you will have to drink several cups of a water-based, almost tasteless fluid, therefore you must arrive two and a half hours before the beginning of the examination itself. In the event of a CT scan with contrast material, you must arrive two and a half hours before the examination. There is no need to fast prior to orthopedic examinations (spinal column, arms and legs).
During the examination, you lie on the examination bed, which moves into the CT machine. The imaging apparatus will rotate around you and scan. It is important to lie still during the examination, to enable accurate and reliable information to be obtained. In some cases, contrast medium will be injected after the examination begins. Normal activity may be resumed immediately after the examination. It is advisable to drink large amounts of water in order to speed up the passing of the contrast material from the body. After examination of the abdomen, in which drinking of contrast material is required, irregularity in intestinal activity may be experienced.
