CT scan is short for computerized tomography. A CT scan is an x-ray producing images of your body. Typically, it visualizes the internal structures rather than overlapping the images produced by the conventional x-ray exams. Conventional x-ray exams employ a stationary x-ray machine that focuses radiation beams on a particular area to produce 2-D images on a digital detector or a film identical to a photograph. The CT scans uses x-ray units to rotate your body around and a computer to develop cross-sectional images identical to slices inside your body.

Conventional x-rays of your abdomen displays your bones and the outlines of your stomach, liver, kidney, intestines and spleen. A CT scan clearly reveals the organs and bones and the inner structures. This also brings out the detailed anatomy of the adrenal glands, pancreas, blood vessels and kidneys. A CT scan is best taken with the recommendation of your doctor. This is done to diagnose bone and muscle disorders such as fractures and bone tumors. The location of a tumor is pinpointed and procedures such as biopsy, surgery and radiation therapy can assist in detecting and monitoring ailments such as heart disease or cancer.

CT scans do not take much time are a painless procedure. It can be done even if a person has a pacemaker or any such devices implanted in the chest to assist regulation of your heartbeat. However, expecting or to be expected mothers should inform your doctor, so that the scan procedure can be postponed or an alternative exam can be performed that restricts radiation involvement such as MRI or ultrasound. A CT scan can be taken of any part of your body. You will be requested to wear hospital gown and remove items such as jewelry or other metal objects as they may interfere with image results.

CT scans also involve fasting. You may be asked to drink liquid before scanning or have a vein in your arm injected with a dye before the scanning process. This helps to have clear images emphasizing the blood vessels and other structures. In case your CT scan test entails some contrast medium, you may be advised to fast a few hours prior to the test. Depending on the body part to be scanned, your doctor may suggest some laxatives and enemas to be taken. This may also include temporary modification of your diet. This medium poses light allergic reaction at rare times. Mostly the reactions are very mild.

Though, rare the allergic reactions can be serious and life threatening such as throat swelling or other body parts swelling. If you experience swelling or itchiness in your throat after or during the CT scan process, you must immediately inform the doctor or the technologist. You should inform your doctor of kidney problems, if any. Similarly, preparing your child for a scan test has to be done very carefully. Your child may be given a sedative to keep her or him calm as movements blur the images and can lead to inaccurate results.