Alliance Medical > Professionals & Clinicians > CT or Computerised Tomography Scan Information & Principles

CT

CT stands for computed tomography
It uses X-rays to produce a cross-sectional, or ‘slice’ image of the inside of the body
It's a complementary modality to MRI and gives fast and unambiguous diagnosis of many conditions
Our scanners are able to scan large areas of the body in one continuous operation
CT imaging can show bones as well as surrounding soft tissues such as muscle and blood vessels with great clarity
Using this imaging technique, easier diagnosis is possible for conditions relating to:
- cancer
- cardiovascular disease
- infectious disease
- trauma
- musculoskeletal disorders
In addition, CT is often the only way to scan children without sedation, or to visualise long structures such as the oesophagus
Click here to watch a quick overview video, aimed at patients
And click here to watch a more in-depth video

CT imaging provides a non-invasive diagnosis for coronary heart disease
Advances in technology, both in reconstruction software and with the advent of multi-detector CT mean that cross-sectional imaging of the heart is now not only possible with just Electron Beam CT (EBCT)
Multi-detector CT also allows the non-invasive detection of high-grade stenosis as well as non-invasive follow-up examinations such as stent and bypass patency control

The amount of radiation used varies. It's more than an ordinary X-ray and is the same as the natural radiation we typically get over a period of about three years, which adds slightly to the risk of getting cancer
However, the risk is very small and, of course, the risk of missing a serious problem without a CT scan is considered to be much higher

Our patient area has comprehensive and easy to understand information on the procedure - you can access this here

We've put together a useful collection of straightforward, single-page diagrams illustrating typical diagnostic care pathways - please click to view and download:

Click to view

Referring your patient is an easy, two-step process:
- Step 1: select your preferred imaging centre
- Step 2: complete and return the relevant referral form
And, if you have any questions, just contact our dedicated Patient Management Centre on 0845 045 0600, we'd be glad to help