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CT Scans
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This page describes CT scans and how these advanced x-rays are used to provide cross-sectional views and three dimensional images of a patient's internal organs.
On this page:
Overview
"Get a CT on this guy,” is a phrase we hear often while sitting in our living rooms watching the newest medical drama on TV. But what is a CT scan? What does a CT scan tell us that makes them such an important feature in diagnosing medical problems?
CT scans (otherwise known as CAT scans or computed axial tomography scans) help doctors diagnose problems by creating clear images of internal tissue, bone, organs and blood vessels. The CT scan can help locate tumors. CT scans also are used to help doctors apply treatments. For example, CT scans create a map of a person’s body, helping doctors perform surgeries with precision.
CT scans are advanced x-ray procedures that combine multiple x-ray images with the assistance of a specialized computer to generate cross-sectional views and three dimensional images of a patient’s internal organs. If a patient was getting a CT Scan, they would lie down on a platform that slowly moves through the center of an x-ray tube. Unlike a normal x-ray, in a CT Scan, an x-ray beam moves all around the patient. This creates multiple scans, which are then turned into a single image.
Usually, a doctor must write a prescription for a patient to receive a CT scan. Recently, however, in some states, instead of waiting for symptoms of illnesses, the public can request a whole body CT scan in hope of finding a problem before they become sick. The voluntary whole body CT scan’s benefits are uncertain, and the potential harm from the radiation exposure may outweigh the presumed benefit from the scan.
Compared to most other diagnostic x-ray procedures, CT scans result in relatively high radiation exposure. The radiation exposure of a CT exam can be several hundred times that of a chest x-ray. Keep in mind that CT scans can highlight inaccurate and benign features that can prompt unnecessary follow-up testing. Whenever having a CT scan, a person should talk to their doctor about the risks from the CT scan radiation exposure and the benefits of early diagnosis.
Who is protecting you
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
CT imaging systems are regulated by the FDA under two statutes. They are regulated as radiation-emitting electronic products under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act and as medical devices under the Medical Device Amendments to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The regulations implemented under these laws place controls or requirements on the manufacturers of the CT systems rather than on the users of the CT systems.
State and Local Government
The use of CT systems for medical purposes is controlled, in the U.S., largely at the State and Local government levels. States control the practice of medicine, license medical practitioners and typically license or register facilities operating medical x-ray systems such as CT systems. Some States have established regulations regarding the operation of screening programs that employ ionizing radiation.
What you can do to protect yourself
For sick and injured patients, CT scans and x-rays may be extremely beneficial. Before agreeing to a CT scan it is important to consult with your doctor and investigate the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Make sure your doctor is aware if you have had any previous CT scans. In some cases, viewing a CT done elsewhere may eliminate the need for a new one.
Resources
| Brochure: Full-Body CT Scans What You Need to Know 2003 - U.S. Food and Drug Administration This site provides the content of an FDA brochure on full-body CT scans. |
| FDA Cites Drawbacks of Whole Body CT Scanning 2002 - FDA Patient Safety News. U.S. Food and Drug Administration This page provides the content of an FDA article discussing concerns with health- patient whole body ct scans. |
| How does FDA Regulate CT Systems? 2002 - U.S. Food and Drug Administration This page provides detailed information on the authority that FDA has to regulate CT systems. |
| What is Computed Tomography? 2002 - U.S. Food and Drug Administration This page describes CT systems and how they work. |