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CT Imaging in Mukundapur

CT Imaging

CT Imaging in Mukundapur

Computed tomography, also known as computerised tomography or computed axial tomography (CAT), is a non-invasive imaging test that employs specialised X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of cross-sectional body images. CT imaging is conducted on different body parts for numerous reasons, including diagnosis, treatment planning, screening, and intervention. CT imaging helps medical professionals diagnose and treat various diseases and injuries, such as bone fractures, certain heart conditions, blood clots, kidney stones, internal bleeding, injuries in the spinal cord, benign tumours, and cancer of the early and advanced stages.

At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata, the Department of Radiology offers timely, high-quality, and cost-effective diagnostic care for patients in a safe and secure setting. Our highly qualified and integrated medical team strives to provide patients with the latest state-of-the-art technological advancements and innovative treatment options in diagnostic imaging. Moreover, the hospital houses different types of CT scans, such as contrast CT imaging and a combination of radioactive tracer and CT imaging, called position emission tomography-computed tomography (PET CT) scans.

FAQ's

General instructions that involve making you prepare for a CT imaging scan include the following:

  • Arrive ahead of schedule, as instructed by our specialists. Our imaging technicians and radiologists will guide you through the process. 

  • Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes during the exam. You may be given a gown to wear while undergoing the scan.

  • You may be advised not to consume any solid foods for four hours before the scan. However, you are encouraged to drink as much fluid as possible, particularly for abdominal CT scans.

  • Adhere to any medications prescribed by our specialists.

  • Leave any metal objects, such as jewellery, hairpins, and other items, as they could affect the images. Moreover, inform our specialist if you have an implanted device, certain allergies, illnesses, medication conditions, or if you are pregnant.

During your CT imaging scan, you will lie on a table that moves through the centre of the machine, resembling a large ring shaped like a doughnut. As the table slowly moves through the machine, X-ray beams and a set of electronic X-ray detectors rotate around you. You might hear a wheezing or buzzing sound during the procedure, which is normal. You will be advised to hold still during the imaging procedure to avoid blurred images. A specialised computer interprets the sequential images obtained to generate two-dimensional cross-sectional images displayed on a screen.

CT imaging scans can be performed with or without the use of contrast. Contrasts are substances ingested orally or injected through an intravenous (IV) line to enhance the visibility of the specific organ, blood vessels, or tissue being examined. Usually, when a contrast injection is needed, an agent made of iodine or barium is administered for contrast CT scans. Moreover, contrast CT scans take more time compared to normal CT due to the steps involved in administering and allowing time for the contrast to distribute throughout the body.

The scanning procedure usually takes less than 10 to 15 minutes, although this can vary depending on the location scanned. Most of the time consumed is spent on the preparation for the procedure. Additionally, contrast CT scans take more than an hour and 15 minutes. Generally, patients are discharged on the same day as the scan.

Depending on the urgency of your conditions, results usually take about 24 to 48 hours. Our technicians and radiologists interpret the images obtained from CT scans and compare them with previous imaging reports, if any, to evaluate any positive results. The findings are reported and then passed on to our specialists. In an emergency setting, CT scan results are obtained within an hour. For outpatient cases, our specialists arrange follow-up appointments to review the findings and devise an optimal treatment strategy tailored to the patient's condition.

Since CT scans employ ionising radiation, radiation exposure is one of many risks when undergoing a CT imaging procedure. However, the risks associated with the amount of radiation used outweigh the benefits of the procedure. The typical radiation dose for CT scans is usually 10 mSv (a unit used to measure radiation dose). No radiation remains in the body after undergoing a CT scan. Our team at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata, oversees all aspects of imaging and radiation safety, intending to produce high-quality images while minimising your radiation exposure.

Possible side effects or complications that can manifest while undergoing CT imaging include:

  • Rare cases of developing cancer, especially with multiple scans

  • Allergic reactions to administered contrast agents, such as abnormal kidney function

  • Exposure to radiation

  • Nausea due to contrast agents

Specialists usually employ CT scans for pregnant women as a last resort if ultrasounds or magnetic resonance imaging scans do not give any detailed information related to the conditions your specialists are trying to address. If the abdomen or pelvis is not the focus of the CT scan, there is no risk of radiation exposure to an unborn baby. The potential risk of developing cancer for an unborn child is estimated to be about one in 1000, though this level of risk may not exist or be proven at all. Our medical team will provide support and assistance in case a CT scan is medically necessary for a precise diagnosis.