24×7 CT Scan Services
Clinico CT Scan Services at Mulund & Thane
Clinico’s 24×7 CT Scan services are available at our world-class scan centre in Mulund West and the upcoming Thane centre. All diagnostic reports are accurate and checked by MD Doctors.
What is a CT Scan?
CT scan stands for Computed Tomography Scan. It’s one of the most common diagnostic imaging techniques used worldwide, which enables doctors to check the interior of a human body. CT scan utilises a combination of X-rays & computer to generate pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues in a human body.
A CT scan can be conducted of any body part. It provides extensive info as compared to a regular X-ray. The entire process is painless and doesn’t necessitate a lot of time.
Working of a CT Scan
By utilising a narrow X-ray beam that circles around a part of the human body, the CT scan renders a sequence of images from various angles. The computer then makes use of this information to generate a cross-sectional image of the part that has been scanned.
Through repetition of this process, a number of cross-sectional images are created. Finally, the computer piles up these scans one above the other to generate a comprehensive image of the organs, bones, or other tissues.
CT Scan Procedure
To begin with, a CT scan is conducted in a hospital or diagnostic clinic. The doctor may advise you to avoid eating or drinking for a stipuled amount of time before the scan. You may also be required to wear a hospital gown and remove any metal objects you may be wearing, like jewellery.
A radiology technologist will carry out the CT scan. You will be told to lie down on a table inside a big, doughnut-shaped CT scan machine. The table will slowly move inside the scanner, and the X-rays will rotate around the human body. A whirring or buzzing noise will usually be heard during the scan. You will be informed to remain still as any movement may blur the image. Also, holding of breath may be required on occasion.
The duration of the scan will be determined by the body parts to be scanned, with the usual time period required being a few minutes to around half an hour.
Risks associated with CT scan
As CT scans involve the use of X-rays, they generate ionising radiation. Research indicates that ionising radiation may cause damage to DNA and result in cancer. Having said that, the risk is minimal, with the probability of getting chronic cancer due to a CT scan being a meagre 1 in 2,000.
It’s recommended that you inform the doctor about your past CT scans and speak to him about the risks and benefits associated with it. Also, it’s important to tell the doctor if you’re pregnant, as the doctor may recommend an alternative imaging technique like ultrasound to avoid radiation.
Side Effects of CT Scan
The contrast materials used in a CT scan may cause side effects in people who are allergic to them. It may cause kidney issues, itchiness or a rash and in only rare cases may result in a fatal reaction. Generally, the side effects reaction is quite mild.
Hence, it’s recommended that you inform the doctor about any allergies you may have related to medications, iodine, etc. Moreover, it’s necessary to tell the doctor if you have diabetes and are consuming the drug metformin. The doctor will then convey whether the medication needs to be stopped prior to or after the scan procedure.
