What do ct scans check for

Learn about preparation, recovery…. Learn more. An abdominal film is an X-ray of the abdomen. This type of X-ray can be used to diagnose many conditions. Learn more here. The part of your body getting scanned and the number of images needed play a role in determining how long the MRI will take. Here's what to expect. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. CT Computed Tomography Scan. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.

A CT scan may be used to visualize the: head shoulders spine heart abdomen knee chest During a CT scan, you lie in a tunnel-like machine while the inside of the machine rotates and takes a series of X-rays from different angles.

Read this next. Cranial CT Scan. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. CT Scan vs. MRI Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M. This normally takes a few days or weeks.

CT scans are quick, painless and generally safe. But there's a small risk you could have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used and you'll be exposed to X-ray radiation. The amount of radiation you're exposed to during a CT scan varies, depending on how much of your body is scanned. CT scanners are designed to make sure you're not exposed to unnecessarily high levels.

Generally, the amount of radiation you're exposed to during each scan is equivalent to between a few months and a few years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment. It's thought exposure to radiation during CT scans could slightly increase your chances of developing cancer many years later, although this risk is thought to be very small less than 1 in 2, For more information, read GOV. UK: patient dose information.

The benefits and risks of having a CT scan will always be weighed up before it's recommended. Talk to your doctor or radiographer about the potential risks beforehand if you have any concerns.

Page last reviewed: 18 August Next review due: 18 August CT scan. They can look at the inside surfaces of organs such as the lungs virtual bronchoscopy or colon virtual colonoscopy or CT colonography without actually having to put scopes into the body. The 3-D CT images are arranged to create a black and white view on the computer screen.

This looks a lot like it would if they were doing an actual endoscopy. Ask your doctor if you will get contrast dye as part of the CT scan. This is important because reactions to these things may put you at risk for reacting to the contrast dye used in CT scans. People who have had a severe reaction in the past may need to take drugs usually a steroid, like prednisone to help prevent another reaction.

Sometimes these drugs need to be started the day before the scan. In some cases, your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink overnight or for several hours before the test.

Or you might need to use a laxative or an enema to clean out your bowel and remove material that could get in the way of seeing inside the belly and intestines. You may be asked to undress, put on a robe, and remove underwire bras, jewelry, piercings, or any other metal objects that may get in the way of the image. You may be asked remove dentures, hearing aids, hair clips, and so on, as they can affect the CT pictures.

A radiology technologist does the CT scan. Let the technologist know if you have a pacemaker, infusion port, or other implanted medical device. This will not keep you from getting a CT scan, but extra care can be taken if that area will be scanned. Urinary Tract Infection.

Urgent Care. Strep Throat. Sore Throat. Sinus Infection. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Seasonal Flu. Pink Eye. High Blood Pressure. Heart Health. Hand Foot and Mouth. Ear Infections. Cuts and Lacerations. Common Cold. Abdominal Pain.