Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT) scans have been performed successfully for almost 30 years. A CT scan is a painless, non-invasive way to see inside the body, rapidly acquiring two-dimensional pictures of the anatomy. On a computer, these 2-D images are presented as 3-D images for in-depth clinical evaluations.

CT imagery is based on X-ray technology that takes images of the internal body. These images are taken in cross-sectional “slices,” and when assembled by the computer they create the fully composed images on the screen. The quality of the slices is based upon the speed of the measurements made and the details of the reconstruction technique.

Scripps facilities have several 64-slice machines in operation. Lower-dose CT scans are available in some locations.