Tag: Radiation

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Everything You Need to Know About CT Scans

A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is also known as a CAT scan, which stands for computed axial tomography. A CT scan with contrast is a type of CT scan that uses a contrast material, such as iodine or barium, to help highlight certain areas of the body.

Preparing for a CT Scan

Before having a CT scan, you should discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor. You may need to stop taking certain medications before the test. You may also need to fast for a few hours before the test. Depending on the type of CT scan you are having, you may need to drink a contrast material or have an injection of contrast material.

What Happens During the Test?

During the test, you will lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner. The scanner will take X-ray images from different angles. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are taken. The test usually takes 10-30 minutes.

How Long Does it Take to Get Results?

The results of a CT scan are usually available within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

What Does a CT Scan Show?

A CT scan can show a variety of things, including tumors, blood clots, bone fractures, and other abnormalities. It can also be used to guide a biopsy needle to a specific area.

Are CT Scans Safe?

CT scans are generally safe, but they do involve exposure to radiation. The amount of radiation used is small, but it can increase your risk of cancer. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the test with you before the test.

Can I Have a CT Scan if I’m Pregnant?

If you are pregnant, you should discuss the risks and benefits of having a CT scan with your doctor. In some cases, a CT scan may be necessary, but in other cases, an ultrasound or MRI may be a better option.

References

  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Computed tomography (CT) scan. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/about/pac-20384902
  • American College of Radiology. (2020). CT scans. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Patients/Why-Choose-Radiation-Therapy/CT-Scans
  • U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). CT scan. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ctscan.html

Keywords: CT scan, CAT scan, contrast material, X-rays, imaging test, radiation, pregnancy, MRI, ultrasound.

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Everything You Need to Know About Chest X-Rays

Chest X-rays are a common imaging test used to diagnose a variety of conditions. In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about chest X-rays, including what they are, when to get one, who performs them, how they work, how to prepare, what to expect during and after the procedure, and the risks associated with them.

What is a chest X-ray?

A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the organs and structures inside your chest, including your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. It can help your healthcare provider diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, such as pneumonia, heart failure, and cancer.

What are X-rays?

X-rays are a type of radiation that can pass through your body and create an image on a special type of film. They are used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including broken bones, tumors, and infections.

When should I get a chest X-ray?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a chest X-ray if you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough. It can also be used to monitor the progress of certain conditions, such as cancer or heart failure.

Who performs a chest X-ray?

A chest X-ray is usually performed by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in interpreting imaging tests.

How does a chest X-ray work?

During a chest X-ray, you will stand in front of a special X-ray machine. The machine will send a small amount of radiation through your body, which will create an image on a special type of film. The radiologist will then interpret the image to diagnose or monitor your condition.

How do I prepare for a chest X-ray?

You may need to remove any jewelry or clothing that may interfere with the X-ray. You may also be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-ray is being taken.

What can I expect during a chest X-ray?

During the X-ray, you will stand in front of the X-ray machine and hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken. The procedure is usually quick and painless.

What can I expect after a chest X-ray?

After the X-ray, you can usually return to your normal activities. The radiologist will interpret the X-ray and send the results to your healthcare provider.

What are the risks of a chest X-ray?

Chest X-rays are generally safe and have few risks. However, they do use a small amount of radiation, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential risks.

Is a chest X-ray safe if I am pregnant?

Chest X-rays are generally safe for pregnant women, but it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential risks.

When should I know the results of my chest X-ray?

The results of your chest X-ray will usually be available within a few days. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If you have any questions or concerns about your chest X-ray, you should call your healthcare provider.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Chest X-rays are a safe and effective way to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the procedure.

References

  • American College of Radiology. (2020). Chest X-Ray. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Patients/Imaging-Exams/Chest-X-Ray
  • Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Chest X-Ray. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17072-chest-x-ray
  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Chest X-Ray. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chest-x-ray/about/pac-20385020

Keywords: chest X-ray, X-ray, radiation, imaging test, healthcare provider

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Everything You Need to Know About a Heart CT Scan

A heart CT scan, also known as a cardiac CT scan, is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects.

What Does a CT Scan of the Heart Show?

A heart CT scan can show the size and shape of the heart, as well as the size, shape, and location of any blockages in the coronary arteries. It can also show the structure of the heart valves, the walls of the heart chambers, and any areas of the heart that have been damaged by a heart attack.

When Would This Procedure Be Needed?

A heart CT scan may be recommended if you have symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. It may also be used to diagnose or monitor other heart conditions, such as heart valve problems or congenital heart defects.

Who Performs a Cardiac CT Scan?

A cardiac CT scan is usually performed by a radiologist or cardiologist. The radiologist will use a special X-ray machine to take pictures of your heart.

How Does a Cardiac CT Scan Work?

During a cardiac CT scan, you will lie on a table while the X-ray machine takes pictures of your heart. The X-rays pass through your body and are detected by the machine, which creates a detailed image of your heart.

Cardiac MRI vs. Cardiac CT

Cardiac MRI and cardiac CT are both imaging tests used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. Cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart, while cardiac CT uses X-rays. Both tests are safe and effective, but cardiac MRI is more expensive and may not be available in all areas.

How Do I Prepare for the Test?

Food and Drink

You should not eat or drink anything for at least four hours before the test.

Medicines

You should tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be stopped or adjusted before the test.

What to Expect on the Date of the Test

On the day of the test, you will be asked to remove any jewelry or metal objects that may interfere with the X-ray images. You may also be asked to wear a hospital gown.

Prepping for Your Cardiac CT Scan

Before the test, you may be given a contrast agent, which is a dye that helps the X-ray images to be more detailed. You may also be given a medicine that slows down your heart rate.

What Should I Expect During the Test?

During the test, you will lie on a table while the X-ray machine takes pictures of your heart. The test usually takes about 30 minutes.

What to Expect After the Test

After the test, you can go home and resume your normal activities. You may experience some mild side effects from the contrast agent or the medicine used to slow your heart rate, but these should go away within a few hours.

What Are the Risks of This Test?

Contrast Agent (Dye)

The contrast agent used in a cardiac CT scan can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Radiation

The X-rays used in a cardiac CT scan can expose you to a small amount of radiation. However, the amount of radiation is very low and is not considered to be dangerous.

Medicine That Slows Down Your Heart Rate

The medicine used to slow your heart rate can cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and low blood pressure.

What Type of Results Do You Get and What Do the Results Mean?

The results of a cardiac CT scan will be interpreted by a doctor. Normal results mean that there are no blockages or other abnormalities in the heart or its blood vessels. Abnormal results may indicate the presence of blockages or other abnormalities.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

If you experience any side effects from the contrast agent or the medicine used to slow your heart rate, you should call your doctor.

References

  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cardiac CT scan. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-ct-scan/about/pac-20384717
  • American Heart Association. (2020). Cardiac CT scan. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-ct-scan
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Cardiac CT scan. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiac-ct-scan

Keywords: heart CT scan, cardiac CT scan, X-rays, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, cardiac MRI, contrast agent, radiation, medicine, results.