Computed Tomography or CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. A CT scan can be used to study all parts of your body, such as the chest, belly, pelvis, or an arm or leg. It can take pictures of body organs, such as the liver, pancrease, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart. It also can study blood vessels, bones, and the spinal cord.
Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
CT Scans preformed at Springfield Clinic include Abdomen & Pelvis, Angiography, Body, Chest, Head, Sinuses, Spine, and Colonography.
Patients are required to lie on the scan table during the CT scan. Some CT scans require the patient to drink an iodinated contrast material to differentiate loops of bowel from other internal organs. Certain CT scans require the injection of iodinated contrast material into a vein to show blood flow.