CT
Computer (assisted) tomography. commonly known as a CT scan, is a computerised X-ray technique. It uses electronic systems connected to a computer (instead of film) to capture and process the signals from x-rays that have passed through the body. The patient lies on a table that is moved into a cylinder (gantry) while the x-ray tube rotates around the body taking multiple pictures from various angles. Normally 5-20 slices are taken. A detector registers the pictures and the computer constructs a cross-sectional picture - often referred to as a 'slice' view - from the patient on a television screen or monitor. CT scans were originally used mostly in neurological examinations, but they are now used for many other investigations as well. CT images can be made without use of contast media (CM), but more often CM are used, injected with a needle into an arm vein.
The latest developments in CT are spiral (or helical), multislice, and electron-beam CT.
GE Healthcare Glossary