COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)

Head / Neck Facial Skull Chest Cavity (Thorax)

Abdominal Cavity (Abdomen) Spine Joints

Caution:

If you suffer from a thyroid disease, impaired kidney function or diabetes, please inform us when you register. Patients are requested to bring any existing previous images of the corresponding area (ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI) when you come to DZU for your examination.

 
 A REFERRAL APPROVED by your health insurance company's senior physician is required for every CT examination.

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Computed Tomography (CT) is a special X-ray examination during which cross-sectional images of the body are obtained. The area of the body under evaluation is visualized in slices. These slices are usually a few millimeters thick and may be assessed as desired.

An x-ray tube rotates around the patient during the examination. A measuring system (detector) is located opposite the tube and rotates at the same speed as the tube. X-rays penetrate the body and are measured on the detector. An x-ray is an electromagnetic wave which is shorter and contains more energy than ultraviolet light. Therefore, the waves can penetrate the organs of the body and produce images of them.

The x-ray strength is weakened depending on the density and thickness of the organs of the body. The detector measures this weakening and calculates an image of the examined organs based on this data. The greatest weakening is caused by bone, the smallest weakening by air, which is present in the lung, intestines and paranasal sinuses. The image calculated by the computer is shown in different shades of grey.

Depending on the area being investigated, the examination itself takes 5 to 20 minutes. It is important to drink water before some examinations. In these cases you will be informed on the quantity and time at which you should drink water.

DZU requests its patients to remove all clothing from the area to be examined and also remove metallic objects such as jewelry, bras with metal hooks or eyes, or body piercings. Every CT examination is conceived to meet the patients specific requirements. Patients are asked for the reason of the examination, symptoms, and about possible previous or existing diseases in a preliminary interview. Previous reports are also discussed at this time. This enables us to make an accurate diagnosis.

Patients lie on a sliding table which moves slowly through the wide circular opening of the CT scanner during the examination. Most procedures are performed with the patient lying face-up.
The area to be examined is always in the middle of this opening. Cross-sectional images of the body are obtained with x-rays as the table moves. Since respiratory motion during lung and abdomen examinations can disturb the procedure, the radiologic technologist in charge will tell you how and when to breathe.

The responsible technologist monitors the entire examination and has both visual and acoustic contact with the patient, so both can communicate with each other at any time.

Some procedures require intravenous contrast material. This further enhances the informative value of the examination and make a diagnosis more accurate. Nearly all contrast material used for CT examinations contain iodine. Compared to contrast material used a few decades ago, the contrast material used today causes hardly any side effects, but DZU patients are also informed about these.
DZU requires written consent for procedures with contrast material as a matter of principle

The contrast material is introduced into the body through an injector. A small plastic tube is inserted in the vein (Venflon) for this purpose before the examination begins. Patients can therefore remain calm and relax during the procedure, which helps improve the quality of the images.