Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan
Service description
What is a computerized axial tomography or CAT scan?
A computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan is a diagnostic method that uses ionizing radiation - X-rays - and makes it possible to obtain images of the internal structures of the body. It uses a source of X-rays that pass through the patient and are subsequently analyzed on a computer and converted into images.
A technician makes the images, which are then evaluated by a radiologist. In some cases, he/she will administer a contrast that allows the internal organs to be evaluated, either orally or intravenously. In these cases, you will be given additional information about the contrast and you will be asked to sign an informed consent form.
Types of computed axial tomography or CAT scans
CT scans can be performed on different areas of the body:
HEAD CT
Head CT scans include a group of studies such as:
Cranial CT
The CT allows the study of the brain, enabling the diagnosis of various pathologies.
Perinasal Sinuses CT
This CT is very important to diagnose pathologies that affect the air cavities of the paranasal sinuses through which air circulates.
NECK CT
Through this CT can assess various anatomical areas of the neck, such as the larynx, pharynx and other structures of the neck, deep structures not accessible by other techniques.
ABDOMINAL AND PELVIC CT
CT scans of all areas of the abdomen and pelvis can be performed.
SPINE CT
CT scans of the cervical spine, dorsal spine, lumbar spine and lumbosacral spine can be performed.
THORAX CT
The CT technique can be used to diagnose mainly the lungs, mediastinum, chest wall and some vascular structures.
Low-dose CT/thoracic examination is part of the specific context of screening for pulmonary neoplasms, with its own selection criteria. CT is acquired using a special protocol, with a lower radiation dose, so that it can be used in cases where the study must be repeated periodically, as in the case of screening. The acquired image is slightly different, but allows the detection of situations that require specific guidance in the context of neoplasm screening,
MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
CT can be used to evaluate structures such as bones, muscles and joints.
ANGIO CT
Angio CT can be used to study arterial and/or venous systems, using specific protocols and advanced image post-processing tools.
Dental CT
Dental CT allows the study of jaw structures.
Contrast-enhanced CT
To better clarify certain clinical situations, it may be necessary to administer a contrast product during CT.
Is a CT scan dangerous?
CT images are produced using a small dose of radiation. To produce diagnostic images, certain radiation dose levels are required, which depend on several factors, such as the patient's age and BMI, but also on the part of the body being evaluated.
Affidea has a dose management policy in place and uses effective tools to monitor dose levels and define the ideal dose for each patient. Affidea's Dose Excellence program makes our CT scans as safe as possible. We apply the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, which means as low as reasonably achievable. In other words, we minimize the radiation dose each patient receives during a CT scan, while maintaining the quality of the diagnostic images.
CT is a painless procedure.
Does CT require any preparation?
To improve the quality of the image to be acquired, it may be necessary to administer injectable contrast during the CT scan.
For some types of scans, you may be asked to drink water or oral contrast to improve the definition of the images of the stomach and intestines.
You may be asked to wear a gown or disposable clothing and to store your belongings in a secure place available in the dressing rooms.
How long does a CAT scan take?
A CT scan is a quick procedure. Depending on the type of CT scan performed, the entire procedure, including preparation, positioning and the scan itself, may take up to 15 minutes.
centers with this service
Service description - Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan
What is a computerized axial tomography or CAT scan?
A computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan is a diagnostic method that uses ionizing radiation - X-rays - and makes it possible to obtain images of the internal structures of the body. It uses a source of X-rays that pass through the patient and are subsequently analyzed on a computer and converted into images.
A technician makes the images, which are then evaluated by a radiologist. In some cases, he/she will administer a contrast that allows the internal organs to be evaluated, either orally or intravenously. In these cases, you will be given additional information about the contrast and you will be asked to sign an informed consent form.
Types of computed axial tomography or CAT scans
CT scans can be performed on different areas of the body:
HEAD CT
Head CT scans include a group of studies such as:
Cranial CT
The CT allows the study of the brain, enabling the diagnosis of various pathologies.
Perinasal Sinuses CT
This CT is very important to diagnose pathologies that affect the air cavities of the paranasal sinuses through which air circulates.
NECK CT
Through this CT can assess various anatomical areas of the neck, such as the larynx, pharynx and other structures of the neck, deep structures not accessible by other techniques.
ABDOMINAL AND PELVIC CT
CT scans of all areas of the abdomen and pelvis can be performed.
SPINE CT
CT scans of the cervical spine, dorsal spine, lumbar spine and lumbosacral spine can be performed.
THORAX CT
The CT technique can be used to diagnose mainly the lungs, mediastinum, chest wall and some vascular structures.
Low-dose CT/thoracic examination is part of the specific context of screening for pulmonary neoplasms, with its own selection criteria. CT is acquired using a special protocol, with a lower radiation dose, so that it can be used in cases where the study must be repeated periodically, as in the case of screening. The acquired image is slightly different, but allows the detection of situations that require specific guidance in the context of neoplasm screening,
MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
CT can be used to evaluate structures such as bones, muscles and joints.
ANGIO CT
Angio CT can be used to study arterial and/or venous systems, using specific protocols and advanced image post-processing tools.
Dental CT
Dental CT allows the study of jaw structures.
Contrast-enhanced CT
To better clarify certain clinical situations, it may be necessary to administer a contrast product during CT.
Is a CT scan dangerous?
CT images are produced using a small dose of radiation. To produce diagnostic images, certain radiation dose levels are required, which depend on several factors, such as the patient's age and BMI, but also on the part of the body being evaluated.
Affidea has a dose management policy in place and uses effective tools to monitor dose levels and define the ideal dose for each patient. Affidea's Dose Excellence program makes our CT scans as safe as possible. We apply the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, which means as low as reasonably achievable. In other words, we minimize the radiation dose each patient receives during a CT scan, while maintaining the quality of the diagnostic images.
CT is a painless procedure.
Does CT require any preparation?
To improve the quality of the image to be acquired, it may be necessary to administer injectable contrast during the CT scan.
For some types of scans, you may be asked to drink water or oral contrast to improve the definition of the images of the stomach and intestines.
You may be asked to wear a gown or disposable clothing and to store your belongings in a secure place available in the dressing rooms.
How long does a CAT scan take?
A CT scan is a quick procedure. Depending on the type of CT scan performed, the entire procedure, including preparation, positioning and the scan itself, may take up to 15 minutes.