Your doctor just ordered a CT scan, and now you’re wondering what that means. Despite being one of the most common diagnostic tools in modern medicine, not everyone understands how the technology works or why exactly someone might need one.
City Wide Radiology offers CT scan diagnoses in Brooklyn, NY, with fast turnaround times and compassionate care. In this guide, City Wide Radiology will walk you through the most common medical reasons a doctor may order one.
What Is a CT Scan, and How Does It Work?
A CT scan uses X-ray images taken from different angles to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body. The machine rotates around you while a computer builds a three-dimensional view of your organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue. A contrast dye is sometimes used beforehand to make certain vessels and tissues appear more clearly.
According to a global CT utilization overview, approximately 375 million CT scans are performed worldwide each year, with that number growing by 3% to 4% annually.
Common Medical Reasons for a CT Scan
The most common medical reasons for a CT scan include evaluating symptoms that can’t be explained by a physical exam alone. Here are key scenarios where a scan may be recommended:
- Unexplained pain: A CT scan can help pinpoint the source of abdominal, chest, or pelvic pain.
- Head trauma or neurological symptoms: Doctors often order a scan after a head injury or when a patient experiences sudden, severe headaches or dizziness.
- Suspected fractures: CT imaging can reveal complex fractures, especially in the spine or joints, that standard X-rays may miss.
- Infections and abscesses: CT scans help locate infections deep within the body.
- Blood clots and vascular concerns: Doctors may use CT angiography to look for clots in the lungs or blockages in blood vessels.
These situations reflect just a portion of why doctors order CT scans for diagnosis.
Conditions Diagnosed With a CT Scan
The best way to understand how CT scans help detect medical conditions is to look at what they can reveal. Common conditions a CT scan may help diagnose include:
- Cancer: CT scans can detect tumors and monitor treatment response.
- Heart disease: Some CT scans include calcium scoring to indicate coronary artery disease risk.
- Kidney stones: CT imaging is highly effective at identifying calcifying stones.
- Appendicitis: A CT scan is often the fastest way to confirm appendicitis before surgery.
- Internal bleeding: Following trauma, a CT scan can quickly identify bleeding in the abdomen, chest, or brain.
According to a study published in the Journal of Patient Safety, emergency department CT use rose by 81% over 10 years, with abdominal pain, lower respiratory disease, and headache among the top reasons patients received a scan.
CT Scan Diagnosis: What To Expect at a Brooklyn Imaging Center
If your doctor has referred you for a CT scan in Brooklyn, NY, technologists at City Wide Radiology, a trusted Brooklyn imaging center, will guide you through the process. You’ll lie on a table that slides into the scanner while the machine captures images, sometimes asking you to briefly hold your breath.
According to research reported by The Conversation, roughly 19 million noncardiac chest CTs are performed each year in the United States, and virtually every one passes through the heart.
City Wide Radiology Is Your Trusted CT Scan Destination in Brooklyn
A CT scan in NYC requires the right expertise and equipment to deliver accurate results. At City Wide Radiology, we use multi-slice CT technology to support a precise CT scan diagnosis. Explore understanding common conditions diagnosed with CT scans to learn more.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To schedule your CT scan in NYC, call us today at (718) 236-6800.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people ask about CT scans.
When Should You Get a CT Scan?
You should get a CT scan when your doctor recommends one to evaluate symptoms such as unexplained pain, head trauma, or suspected internal injuries.
How Long Does a CT Scan Take?
A CT scan typically takes anywhere from a few minutes to about 30 minutes, depending on the area being scanned and whether contrast dye is used.
Is a CT Scan Safe?
A CT scan is generally considered safe for most patients, though it does involve a small dose of radiation.
What Can a CT Scan Detect That an X-ray Cannot?
A CT scan provides far more detail than a standard X-ray, making it possible to identify soft tissue injuries, tumors, blood clots, and organ damage.