CT Scan

Computed Tomography or CT Scan is one of the most versatile diagnostic modality for whole body imaging. CT Scan is a very advanced form of X-Ray in which thousands of images of the body organs are captured within few seconds. CT Scan machines contain detectors which capture the images of the body. Higher the number of detectors, better are the results. CT Scan machines range from a single detector to several hundred detectors. The CT Scan machine installed at Umeed Hospital has 16 detectors which give 50 slices. This machine is so fast that it can scan each organ is 15-20 seconds and can scan the whole body in less than 100 seconds.

CT Scan is the diagnostic modality of choice in Brain, PNS, Face and Chest Scanning. In abdominal imaging, CT Scan gives much more information than Ultrasound scan. In suspected cases of Cancer in the body, contrast CT Scan gives valuable information. Study of blood vessels in the body is best done through CT Angiography. Angiography of Brain, Neck, Heart, Lungs, Abdomen, Kidney and Legs is most commonly done to detect any kind of blockage in the blood vessels.

Test and Results

Most of the CT Scan examinations do not require any kind of preparation. The CT Scan machine has a couch like table and a circular gantry. The patient has to lie down on the table and the technician will position the gantry over the body part which needs to be scanned. Once correct positioning is done, the technician will leave the scan room. The scanning takes only few seconds and you might be asked to hold breath in Chest, Heart and Abdomen scanning. Once the test is done, you will be asked to wait outside till the technician checks the images.

In Contrast CT Scan some preparation is required. Patient has to come in fasting of 5-6 hours. First a blood test - Kidney Function Test is done to check the functioning of the kidneys. If the values of Serum Creatinine and Blood Urea are within normal limits then contrast CT Scan can be done. Contrast is injected in the vein using a syringe and then the CT Scan is done. For contrast CT Scan of the abdomen, the patient will also have to consume oral contrast which is mixed in water and the patient has to drink it in 2 hours time after which the test is done. The radiologist will go through several hundreds of images captured during the test and prepares the report. The report is normally ready within 24 hours of the test.

Best Doctors and Cost

Dr D Singh has more than 20 years of experience and is considered as one of the best radiologist in the country for doing and interpreting CT Scan examinations. Dr Singh has been working in purnia since 1999 and has made a big name in the field of X-Ray, Ultrasound and CT Scan exams. CT Scan of the brain costs Rs. 2000 while CT Scan of the other body parts cost between Rs. 2200 - 6000. Contrast studies cost Rs. 600 - 1500 extra. CT Angiography of any body part costs Rs. 8000 - 10000. At Umeed Hospital we have installed the most advanced 50 slices Ultrafast CT Scanner machine from GE, USA.

Second hand CT Scan machines can cost between Rs. 35 - 80 lacs while new CT Scan machines cost between Rs. 1.3 Crores to 4 Crores. The new CT Scan machine installed at Umeed Hospital has costed close to Rs 2 Crores and has been supplied by General Electric, USA which is the world number one company making radiological equipments.

One shortcoming of CT Scan testing is that it cannot be done on pregnant women. If you suspect pregnancy, always inform the technician before doing this test.