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CT or Computed Tomography has been an invaluable part of medical imaging since the 1970's. The CT scanner resembles a large doughnut and is open on both ends (image to the right). Like radiography, CT uses x-rays to produce images; it does not use magnetism like an MRI.
CT Images
To understand what your CT images will look like, imagine your body as a loaf of bread. If you were to pull out a single slice and look at it, that would be a rough equivalent of an axial image.
Our Scanner
At Idaho Urologic Institute we use a Toshiba Aquilion 16 slice scanner. With this scanner we are able to acquire as many as 16 images per tube revolution. With revolution speeds as high as 1 rotation per half second, we are able to cover a great deal of anatomy in a matter of seconds! As a result, we are able to generate high quality images in a timely manner.
Radiation Dose
In recent months there has been a great deal of media coverage concerning radiation doses received during CT imaging. At IUI we strive to always keep patient doses under the American College of Radiology's recommended dosage levels. The dose you receive during your imaging will be recorded in your medical record. Our most effective means of limiting patient dose is in hiring technologists who are credentialed through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. For more information on the training and certifications our technologist have achieved see Our Technologists page.
CT Preparation
