CT scanners are just one of the many essential medical machines used to identify and diagnose different conditions. They allow doctors to look inside patients’ bodies in a non-invasive manner. Because of CT scanners, we live in an age where doctors no longer have to guess what’s wrong.
To help you appreciate this marvelous medical machine, here are some things you need to know about CT scanners:
1 – They take the x-ray to another level
These machines use ionizing radiation to create images from many different angles. These images are then pieced together to create a more comprehensive picture of a person’s insides. Radiology technicians and other medical professionals can then analyze this picture.
These tests can locate tumors, map out internal bleeding and other dangerous conditions. They are also integral for the planning of surgeries and other possible procedures. In some cases, doctors might recommend that patients ingest or be injected with contrast dye. This dye can help doctors tell the difference between various types of tissue in the results.
2 – The radiation is only dangerous in prolonged exposure
Most people have apprehensions about the radiation used in CT scans and x-rays, but these are only dangerous in prolonged periods of exposure. The risk of developing cancer from a CT scan is incredibly low—around 0.05%. That’s smaller than the risk of the various diseases caused by eating processed meat regularly.
If you genuinely wish to avoid radiation, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about other options. There are a handful of alternatives out there with which you might be more comfortable.
3 – It functions differently than an MRI
Many people confuse the different scanning machines, primarily since they serve similar functions. The CT scanner, in particular, resembles a spinning donut. At the center of this donut is a table or bed patients lie on. This part is called the bore.
The giant donut of the machine will spin around you during an exam inside its casing. Depending on the part of your body being scanned, the donut might also move over your body back and forth along the bore. The machine will take plenty of images to be pieced together.
4 – Scans take long
The doctor is likely to reiterate that you cannot move during a CT scan. Moving might result in a blurry image, which reduces the accuracy of your diagnosis. What’s challenging about this is that you might have to stay still for an hour or longer. During the test, the medical technician might even ask you to hold your breath at times.
Luckily, many CT scanners come with an intercom. Most technicians freely chat with patients during this time to help them stay calm.
Final thoughts
The various parts of a CT scanner work together to help doctors provide better and more comprehensive healthcare. They are for the detection of cancer, internal injuries, and other diseases and conditions. Without CT scanners, the field of medicine would be nowhere near as advanced as it is today.
If you’re looking for CT scanner parts and resources, send us a message at Direct Med Parts. We have everything your hospital might need to maintain its CT scanners and MRI machines.
