Desert Imaging
CT (Computed Tomography)

What is a CT Scan?

Computed Tomography or CT scan is also known as a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan. This is a unique examination because it combines the use of X-rays and a computer to produce clear, sharp pictures within your body. The images of your body are divided into slices, much like slices from a loaf of bread.

CT scans help doctors diagnose problems by creating clear images of internal tissue, bone, organs and blood vessels. The CT scan is also very useful in locating benign and malignant tumors. CT scans are commonly used to create a map of a person’s body, helping doctors perform surgeries with precision. They are also used to diagnose or rule-out problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

PET CT 80 Slice

CT Scan technology at Desert Imaging

Here at DI, we offer our patients a 16-Slice Supria Plus CT Scanner by Hitachi and a 80-Slice PET/CT Scanner by UMI. These state-of-the-art systems allow for reduced X-ray dose, higher resolution images and greater patient comfort as shorter breath holds are required.

After your doctor has ordered you to have a PET/CT scan, contact us to schedule an appointment.

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STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

All new Hitachi CT systems are designed to meet ALARA practices as well as complying with the new XR-29 Smart Dose Standard. Supria comes standard with the latest dose reduction, monitoring and reporting capabilities required by XR-29:

  • Automatic Exposure Control – Intelli EC (3-D)

  • Pediatric and Adult Reference Protocols

  • DICOM Dose Structured Report

  • CT Dose Check (XR-25)

CT-Scan

X-ray computed tomography 16 slice CT & 80 slice CT

3 locations

At Desert Imaging, we use the 16-Slice CT at our Lee Trevino (Eastside) and Castellano (Westside) clinics, and the 80-Slice UMI PET/CT scanner at our Gateway location (Central).

CT-Scan

Digital geometry processing

Digital geometry processing is used to generate a 3D (3 dimensional) image of the inside of the object from a large series of 2D (two-dimensional) X-ray images. These 3D images are put together to generate the image of a particular organ.

Desert Imaging

Frequently asked questions

X-ray CT
FAQ

X-Ray CT

The CT study should only take from 3-5 minutes depending on the study.

How should I prepare?

Depending on the type of imaging exam you will have, your preparation prior to the imaging exam will be different. For instance, you may need to prepare for the examination up to 24 hours in advance by fasting or observing a special diet, or you may be instructed to simply eat and behave normally.
Some questions you may be asked before having certain diagnostic imaging tests might include:
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Are you allergic to iodine or any medication?
  • Have you had any head surgery?
  • Have you ever had a heart surgery?
  • You ever had joint surgery or replacement?
  • Do you wear permanent eyeliner?
  • Have you ever worked with metal?
  • Do you have any metal objects implanted in your body (such as an artificial hip replacement or pacemaker)?

What is contrast?

Your doctor may order your exam with or without contrast. If he/she has ordered contrast, a liquid iodine dye is injected into your vein. It will enhance lesions present in many organs.

How is the procedure done?

Patients should lay still and relax during a CT study. Patients may hear the CT scanner rotating during the study. Depending upon the type of study being performed the whirring noise may be very quiet or more noticeable. The table will move very slowly during the CT data acquisition. Depending upon the type of study being performed, the table will either move in several small increment of a few millimeters (for example for a CT of the brain), or the table will move in one large continuous step, for example 20 or 30 cm for a CT of the lungs.

The CT study should only take from 3-5 minutes depending on the study.
Preparing for your appointment

logo Some questions you may be asked before having certain diagnostic imaging tests might include:

  • Are you pregnant?
  • Are you allergic to iodine or any medication?
  • Have you had any head surgery?
  • Have you ever had a heart surgery?
  • You ever had joint surgery or replacement?
  • Do you wear permanent eyeliner?
  • Have you ever worked with metal?
  • Do you have any metal objects implanted in your body (such as an artificial hip replacement or pacemaker)?
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