What is the thoracic CT scan?

thoracic scanning of CT or computer tomographic scanning provides a number of X -rays of organs and structures in the chest and upper abdomen. Detection of internal bleeding or areas filled with liquid, evaluation of chest injury or assessment of position and organ size are some of the reasons for scan CT. The whole procedure of thoracic CT scan usually takes less than half an hour and does not cause any side effects. Once the scanner is inside, patients can talk to the technician if necessary because the machine contains microphone and speakers for two -way communication. During the imaging study, the X -ray tube and the sensor detector, which is located from each other inside the device, rotates around the patient and emits X -rays in all directions.

X -rays pass through the patient and grass for a sensor that records returning signals. When the beams of the chest CT scan in the body weaken into the signal strength. The sensor receives signals, software intErprets data and converts signals to images. The machine creates hundreds of images for each scanner rotation. Doctors check images individually or software can stack the pictures on top of each other and create a three -dimensional view of the chest.

After the software records images, doctors look at the computer screen, movie or compact disk. Depending on the structures that the doctor wants to explore, the thoracic scan may take 15 to 30 minutes before completion. Patients sometimes require a dose of intravenous contrasting dye if doctors need to view vascular structures or specific organs. The dye visibility shows abnormalities or blockages. The instructions usually recommend patients not to eat or drink for at least four hours before scan if they require contrast injections.

with a chest CT scan represents the risk of X -ray exposureThere are no side effects of chest scanning CT. The contrast dye used during the procedure may contain iodine and individuals with allergy allergy should inform employees before the procedure. Patients may cause burning at the beginning of the infusion, along with a warm rinsed feeling and a metal taste. The symptoms associated with contrast usually take only a few minutes. After the procedure, employees generally recommend the patient to drink a lot of fluids, which helps to rinse the fabric from the body.