CT Scan with and without Contrast near Arlington, VA

CT scan or computerized tomography scan is a medical scan that physicians and medical professionals use for diagnostic purposes. This scanning process involves taking several x-ray images in a series from different angles and then processing them using a computer. Processing them with a computer allows for the creation of cross-sectional images of different areas of the body. This allows for greater detail in exploratory scans of the body when looking for certain injuries and illnesses, making it a more in-depth solution in comparison to traditional X-ray. 

There are several factors that lead to CT use over X-ray, MRI or similar procedures. MRI and CT both produce cross-sectional images of the body, but the CT scan works better for cancer detection, lung imaging, chest imaging, bone injuries and anything else involving bone. CT scanning is also faster, taking only a few minutes to complete a scan, and so the CT scanner is less sensitive to movement from patients. While MRI and CT scans are often interchangeable, some situations specifically demand or benefit from the computerized axial tomography scan over MRI or traditional X-ray. 

Because it offers a quick scanning time, this procedure works well for fast examination of internal injuries. CT scans are beneficial for scanning all body parts and structures. Physicians turn to them regularly to diagnose and identify muscle and bone disorders such as fractures and tumors, to pinpoint the exact location of a blood clot or tumor and to detect internal bleeding or injuries. CT scans also guide medical procedures including biopsy, surgery and radiation therapy. It may also aid in monitoring and detecting conditions and diseases like heart disease, cancers, lung nodules and masses in the liver.