What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan uses a computer and a rotating X-ray machine to create cross-sectional images of the body. This provides more detailed information than a regular X-ray.
The machine can show soft tissue, blood vessels, and bones in various parts of the body. The exam is suitable for people who have suffered injuries from car accidents or other trauma.
This procedure can visualize almost any part of the body. In addition, to diagnose disease or injury, and to plan medical, surgical, or radiation treatment.
Differences between CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays
There are several differences between CT scans and MRIs , as well as X-rays. A CT scan is a method of taking pictures using X-rays. The procedure is usually the first choice to find out the condition of the body.
While MRI, a procedure that uses a strong magnetic field to take clearer pictures of the inside of the body. This method is able to detect certain diseases that cannot be seen with a CT scan.
So, what is the difference between CT scans and X-rays? The difference lies in the type of images produced and the ability to detect health problems.
CT scans produce detailed three-dimensional images of organs and soft tissues. X-rays, on the other hand, produce flatter, two-dimensional images.
Both CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of examination method depends on the patient’s condition and medical goals.
Side Effects of CT Scan
Some of the possible side effects of CT scans include:
- Radiation exposure. This condition occurs due to repeated exposure and has the potential to cause cancer.
- Contrast agent reaction. This disorder is characterized by skin rash, itching, or a serious allergic reaction.
- Stress or anxiety. This problem occurs when feeling pressured by narrow equipment or loud machine sounds.
- CT scans using X-rays have the potential to inhibit fetal development in the womb.
Advantages of CT Scan Examination
Some of the advantages of the CT scan method compared to other procedures are:
- CT scans are painless, non-invasive, and accurate.
- Capable of imaging bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels simultaneously.
- Unlike conventional X-rays, CT scans provide highly detailed images of many different types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
- The process is quick and simple. In an emergency, they can find injuries to organs quickly enough to help save lives.
- CT is a cost-effective imaging tool for a variety of clinical problems.
- There is no need to remove any implanted medical devices embedded in the body.
- Can guide needle biopsies and needle aspirations for procedures involving the lungs, abdomen, pelvis, and bones.
- There is no radiation left in the patient’s body after a CT scan.
- There are no immediate side effects from the x-rays used for a CT scan.
Benefits of CT Scan
There are several benefits of a CT scan procedure, including:
- Diagnosing bone disorders, such as bone tumors and fractures.
- Determine the location of a tumor, infection, or blood clot.
- As part of a procedure, such as surgery, biopsy, and radiation therapy.
- Detecting and monitoring disease conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, lung nodules, and liver masses.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of certain treatments, such as cancer treatment.
- Detecting internal injuries or internal bleeding.
- Determining when surgery is necessary is up to the doctor.
- Reduces the need for further surgery or exploration.
- Reduce hospital stay.
- Monitoring or guiding treatment for common conditions, such as injuries, heart disease , and stroke.
- Improving patient placement in appropriate care areas, such as intensive care units.
In addition, this procedure can provide different medical information than other types of imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI. Each imaging technique has its own advantages and limitations.
However, this procedure has major advantages thanks to its ability to:
- Get faster images.
- Provide clear and specific information.
- Can show images of a small part or the entire body, during the examination.
Parts of the Body Scanned by CT Scan
The following body parts are scanned using a CT scan:
1. Brain
Procedures in the brain area serve to examine the structure of the brain. Among them, the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. The goal is to diagnose, such as stroke, brain tumor, brain hemorrhage, and head injury.
2. Spine
This scan can help see the condition of the spine, including the cervical spine, middle spine, and lower spine. It is used to diagnose bone narrowing, bone tumors, or bone injuries.
3. Chest
In this area, the procedure can help diagnose diseases in the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. For example, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, or heart disease.
4. Abdomen
Procedures in the abdominal area serve to see the organs inside the abdomen, such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, or intestines. This helps in diagnosing liver disease, kidney stones, abdominal tumors, or intestinal problems.
5. Pelvis
A pelvic CT scan can be useful for examining a woman’s reproductive organs, such as the uterus and ovaries, or pelvic organs, such as the bladder. The procedure can help diagnose pelvic disease, pelvic tumors, or infections.
6. Bones
The method performed on bones can provide detailed images of the ribs, pelvis, or leg bones. The goal is to help diagnose bone fractures, bone tumors, or bone diseases.
7. Head and neck
Checking for problems in the throat, sinuses, salivary glands, or neck. The method is used to help diagnose throat infections, sinus problems, or neck problems.
CT scans are sometimes required as a supporting examination during a medical check-up.
The Right Time to Do a CT Scan
When is the right time to do a CT scan? This procedure needs to be done on people who are suspected of having internal bleeding due to an accident or injury, such as a collision.
To confirm the disease, doctors will also recommend that people who experience symptoms of tumors or heart disease undergo this procedure.
Preparation Before CT Scan
The CT scan procedure will depend on which part of your body will be scanned. Beforehand, the medical team will explain what you need to do to prepare for the scan.
They will also advise you to avoid eating anything for a few hours before the procedure to ensure clearer images.
Tell your medical team if you have any allergies or kidney problems. Also tell them if you are taking any medications to lower your blood sugar, as special arrangements may be needed by your doctor.
You should also inform the hospital if you are pregnant. This is because pregnant women should not undergo the procedure unless it is an emergency because there is a possibility that the X-rays could harm the baby.
Next, the medical team will recommend changing into special loose and comfortable clothing. Also remove jewelry and accessories containing metal, such as earrings, necklaces, rings, and others.
Before performing the scan, the medical team will give a special dye or contrast agent. The goal is to help improve the quality of the image.
The dye can be swallowed, put into the rectum (enema), or injected into a vein. Tell the radiographer if you feel anxious or short of breath after using this substance.
If you feel tense or anxious before the procedure, the medical team can give you a sedative. You can take it to be more relaxed during the examination.
CT Scan Procedure
Here are the things you need to do during a CT scan procedure:
- Change into special clothes.
- Lie on your back on a flatbed on the machine.
- Maintain proper body position and breathe normally. This ensures that the scan image is not blurry.
- The place you lie on will automatically move into the machine.
- Tell your medical team if you have a phobia of confined spaces. Sedation may be necessary in this condition.
- Contrast agents are also sometimes needed to clarify blood vessels in the body.
- During the procedure, inhale, exhale, or hold your breath at certain points as the examination progresses.
After the CT Scan Procedure
CT scans usually do not cause side effects, so patients can go home immediately afterward. You can eat and drink, go to work and drive as usual.
If you have previously used contrast, you are advised to wait in the hospital for up to an hour. The goal is to ensure that this substance does not cause a reaction in the body.
The scan results are not available immediately. This is because the computer needs to process the information from the scan, which will then be analyzed by a radiologist (a specialist in interpreting images of the body).
After analyzing the images, the radiologist will write a report and send it to the referring doctor. Then, they will discuss to determine the treatment steps.
The results will take a few days or weeks. During that time, pay attention to any post-procedure side effects you experience. In addition to contrast, side effects can also arise from radiation.
The amount of radiation during a CT scan varies, depending on how much of the body is being scanned. CT scanners are designed to ensure that patients are not exposed to high levels of radiation.
Where to Do CT Scan
You can do a CT scan at various hospitals or health facilities that provide this service. You can ask your primary care doctor about recommendations for health facilities to do a CT scan.
How Much Does a CT Scan Cost?
1. India = The approximate cost in India is anywhere between Rs. 2,500/- to Rs. 5,000/-.
2. USA = The approximate $300 to $6,750, with some as high as $20,000.
3. Canada = On average, a CT scan can cost $347 and can range from $250 to $860.
4. Australia = The average cost of a CT Scan in Australia is $100 to $195 out of pocket for a CT Scan.
5. Japan = Overnight screening (one night) : Male 203,950 yen (tax excluded) Female 223,950 yen (tax excluded)
6. Singapore = Private healthcare providers may charge between S$1,000 to S$2,000.
7. South Korea:
| Type of CT Scan | Without NHIS Insurance |
| Head CT Scan | ₩300,000 – ₩600,000 |
| Chest CT Scan | ₩350,000 – ₩700,000 |
| Abdomen CT Scan | ₩400,000 – ₩800,000 |
| Pelvic CT Scan | ₩400,000 – ₩800,000 |
8.UK or England = A standard CT scan costs from £420 up to around £800. Prices vary depending on the scanning centre.