CT scan is a sophisticated imaging tool
utilizing x-rays and powerful computers to generate cross-sectional
images of the body. CT scans are used to diagnosis wide range of
diseases from head to toe. Spiral CT was introduced in the 1990's,
which enable much faster and accurate scanning capabilities. Main
Street Radiology installed the first 16-detector spiral CT
in Queens, with the ability to scan up to 16 times faster than a
traditional spiral CT.
Procedure:
Depending on the type of scan
requested by the referring physician, a patient may receive oral
and/or intravenous (IV) contrast. Oral contrast is used to outline
the stomach and intestines during the exam, and is given as a
flavored drink approximately one hour prior to the actual scan. IV
contrast is an iodine-based liquid injected into the vein during
the scan to highlight organs of the body.
The patient lies on a table that
automatically moves the patient's body through a "donut"
shaped tube, where a thin beam of x-rays is generated to produce
high-resolution cross-sectional images of the body. The actual
scanning time is usually less than 30 seconds with a 16-detector
spiral CT. The patient may be asked to hold his/her breath during
the scan, so that body part being imaged does not move during the
scan acquisition.
Specialized
Procedures:
At Main Street Radiology,
we perform sophisticated CT exams not performed at most imaging
centers. These include:
