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What is a CT scan?

A computed tomography or CT scan is a fast, painless diagnostic technique that uses ionising radiation or x-rays to obtain images or cross-sections of internal body structures, such as bones, blood vessels and soft tissue. This technique has a high diagnostic accuracy for detecting tumours, infections, fractures, obstructions and haemorrhages in different organs and other structures of the body.

Multidetector Computed Tomography (CT)

Test list

Full Body CT (DMD)

Cranial CT

Paranasal sinus CT

Tooth CT

CT single jaw

CT both jaws

Thorax CT

Thorax and abdomen CT

Abdomen CT

CT colonoscopy or Virtual Colonoscopy (DMD)

CT of bones and joints, upper limbs

Foot and Weight-bearing CT

Dual Energy CT scan for gout diagnosis

Spine CT (neck, back, lower back)

Calcium Score

Coronary CT (DMD) or Coronariography

Screening cardiac CT

Angio CT (DMD)

Instructions

Contrast administration: Most CT tests require administering contrast material, either orally or intravenously. This allows viewing more clearly the internal structures of the body.
Hydration: Being well hydrated before the test is recommended, i.e. having drank at least a litre of water within the 10 hours prior to the study. This makes it easier to eliminate the contrast from the body.
Metal objects: The technician will give you the necessary instructions, provide you a gown and ask you to remove any metal objects (jewellery, watch, piercings, hairpins, mobile phones, dentures and hearing aids).
Heart devices: It is important that you inform the technician about any device that you have implanted in your body (pacemakers, electrodes and clips from previous surgeries).
Duration of the test: The test can take between 1 and 10 minutes, depending on the area to be explored. It is important that you stay still throughout this period.

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