CT scan

What is a CT Scan?

A CT scan refers to cross-sectional imaging of various parts of the body using X-rays. This imaging method allows physicians to examine internal body parts with very high quality.

CT scans have numerous applications, particularly for assessing the condition of individuals who may have internal injuries or fractures resulting from car accidents or other types of trauma.

CT scans can be used to diagnose issues related to internal organs and also for planning medical treatments, including surgery or radiation therapy.

Appointment Booking

Results Reporting

CT Scan Preparation

CT Scan FAQ

Reasons for a Doctor to Request a CT Scan

Your doctor may request a CT scan to assist in diagnosing the following conditions:

Evaluating muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumors and fractures.
Pinpointing the exact location of a tumor, infection, or blood clot.
Diagnosing diseases such as cancer, heart disease, lung conditions, and liver masses.
Diagnosing kidney issues and determining the precise location and size of kidney stones.
Monitoring the progress and effectiveness of certain treatments, such as cancer therapy or internal injuries and internal bleeding.

CT Scan Experience

During a CT scan, you will lie comfortably on a table that moves slowly into the scanner. As the table moves, the X-ray generator rotates around you. Each rotation produces multiple images of thin slices of your body. You may hear a sound similar to a breeze during the scan.

A technician in a separate room can see and hear you. You can communicate with the technician via a microphone. The technician may ask you to hold your breath at specific times to prevent image blurring.

Radiation Exposure in a CT Scan

During a CT scan, the patient is briefly exposed to X-rays. The amount of radiation received is higher than that of a simple X-ray because a CT scan gathers more detailed information.

However, the low level of X-ray radiation used in CT scans poses no risk to the patient. At much higher doses, there may be potential risks, but these are negligible given the valuable diagnostic information provided. At Tabesh Medical Imaging Center, we assure you that our CT scan machine is among the most advanced in western Iran. This device provides the highest quality images with the lowest possible radiation.

CT Scan with Contrast Injection

A contrast agent injection is required for some CT scans to help highlight certain internal areas of the body in the images. The contrast material may be administered in several ways:

Drinking the contrast: If your esophagus or stomach is being examined, you may be asked to drink a liquid containing the contrast agent, which is often just water.
Injecting the contrast: The contrast material is injected through a vein, and you may feel warmth or a metallic taste in your mouth during the injection, which is completely normal and no cause for concern.

Allergic Reactions to Contrast in CT Scans

Allergic reactions to CT scan contrast agents are rare, and since most reactions are mild, resulting in rashes or itching, there is no cause for concern, and they resolve quickly.

In extremely rare cases, an allergic reaction can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you have previously reacted to contrast materials, inform the CT scan unit before the procedure so that anti-allergy medications can be prescribed to ensure a safe CT scan with contrast injection.

CT Scans During Pregnancy

CT scans are typically not performed during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor so they can recommend an alternative examination, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to avoid exposing the baby to radiation, if possible.

FAQ

Could My Body React to the Contrast Material?

In certain cases, your doctor may recommend a CT scan with contrast injection. In these cases, an IV line will be placed in your hand, and the contrast agent for the CT scan will be injected into your body during the procedure. Your body may react to the CT scan contrast agent, though most reactions are mild and result in rashes or itching.

In rare cases, an allergic reaction can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you have a history of reactions to injectable materials, allergies to seafood, or other medications, inform the reception technician during admission so that anti-allergy medications can be prescribed for you.

Can a CT Scan Be Performed During Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, inform your doctor. Although it is unlikely that the radiation from a CT scan will harm your baby, your doctor may recommend an alternative examination, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to avoid exposing the baby to radiation. At the low radiation doses used in CT scan imaging, no adverse effects have been observed in humans