Understanding CT
CT or Computed Tomography, also known as a CAT scan, combines x-ray technology with advanced computer processing to uncover the nature of pathology. Perhaps the most important benefit of CT is its ability to show internal anatomy (tissues and organs) in cross-sections commonly referred to as “slices”. The slices acquired from CT scanning are thin, millimeter-width sections capable of revealing even the smallest abnormalities.

Midtown Technology
CT plays a pivotal vital role in diagnosing a wide variety of disease states and abnormalities. Midtown Imaging features some of the most advanced CT technology available, the Siemens Biograph 16. The Biograph scanner can perform very quick scans, allowing CT patients to enjoy a comfortable exam experience. Most scans are completed in a single breath hold and accuracy is greatly improved with this technique. The Biograph provides other capabilities for patients as well. Using a special add-on, a quick CT scan can provide a reliable, non-invasive measurement of calcium build-up in the coronary arteries. The resulting measurement or score is an excellent screening tool to indicate those at increased risk of heart attack.

How Does CT Scanning Work?
CT produces very thin, cross-sectional views of anatomical structure, enabling our radiologists to pinpoint problem areas, seeing detail unavailable with other technologies.
The CT scanner has a rotating tube which captures information in a steady, continuous motion, rotating around the patient while they are simultaneously moved through the machine. X-ray beams pass through the body from many different angles and sensors measure the amount of radiation absorbed by the different tissues of the body. State-of-the-art software then uses the difference in the x-ray absorption of the tissues to form cross-sectional images or slices. The sophisticated CT computer allows us to conduct accurate measurements and magnify and enhance images.

CT is particularly effective on bony structures, the abdomen and chest. It is regularly used for:

• Cancer diagnosis
• Head Trauma
• Lung Cancer Screening
• Organ or Tumor Measurement
• Abdominal Pain
• Sinus Problems
• Stroke diagnosis
• Aneurysm
• Kidney Stones
• Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
• As a Guide for Needle Biopsies

Midtown also uses the Biograph for early detection of lung cancer. Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Survival rates have been dismal because 85% of tumors are discovered at a late stage when treatment can do little to cure them. Recent research has shown CT lung cancer screening can change that. The life saving technique has effectively diagnosed many Stage I lung cancers, greatly improving survival rates.

CT Preparation:
We ask that you have nothing to eat or drink for two hours prior to your study.

If you have films taken previously that pertain to your current study, it is very important to bring them with you or have them sent to Midtown Imaging for comparison. If you need assistance with this, please call Midtown Imaging with the name and address of the facility where your previous procedure was performed. Midtown Imaging will be happy to accommodate you.

You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, a sweat suit for example. In most cases you can wear this type of clothing in the machine. You may, however, be asked to change into a gown.

If you are having an abdominal scan, you may be asked to drink up to 32 ounces of water upon arriving at the center. This is because water helps to illuminate or enhance the appearance of the internal structures of the abdomen.

The exam generally takes between 5 and 25 minutes. When you are ready to begin, the technologist will assist you into a comfortable position on a sliding table. The technologist will then leave the room to begin the exam. A speaker system keeps you connected with your technologist throughout the entire procedure.

Sometimes a contrast agent is used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. Contrast may be required to obtain the clearest images. If contrast is necessary, it is injected through an intravenous line.

The CT scan itself is extremely fast. In fact, it will probably take you longer to get in the correct position on the table than it will to conduct the scan. Your technologist will ask you to hold your breath during the scanning for just a few seconds.

Results of Your Test
A Midtown Board Certified Radiologist specializing in CT interpretation will report the results of this test by telephone, fax, or mail to the referring physician promptly.