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Computed tomography (CT) is an examination in which x-rays are used to take cross-section radiographs of the desired area. An area in the head, neck, body or extremities can be defined as the scanned area.
By using different CT radiological techniques and post-editing the images, various details can be singled out from the tomographic slices, including bone, fat, air, intestines and veins. When the images are taken in thin enough slices, they can be used to build three-dimensional image models.
A CT examination is painless. During the examination, the patient lies still on the examination table and the table slides in the scanner. The scanner has a large opening (approximately 80cm) and it is open at both ends so the scan should not be distressing. In the case of the latest CT equipment, the actual scanning time is very short, only a few minutes, but with preliminary preparations, the examination takes somewhat longer.
Depending on the examined site, the patient may be given breathing instructions. In addition, the patient may be administered contrast medium intravenously to display the veins or given intestinal contrast medium orally to help distinguish the intestines. When administered intravenously, the contrast medium may cause a temporary feeling of heat and a metallic taste in the mouth. The contrast medium exits the body in urine.