Clear Lake Regional Medical Center

CT 64-Slice Technology

What is CT?

Please talk to your doctor about whether a CT Scan is right for you.

Computed tomography (CT) combines the use of X-rays with the latest computer technology to create cross-sectional images or your body. Because some of these slices are as thin as 0.5mm, our CT system offers more detail than previous technology. As a result, CT is an ideal way to accurately view the size, shape and position of structures such as the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and other internal organs.

The Best Medicine is Prevention

Today, new imaging technologies give doctors greater insight into the human body. That means doctors can also see signs of disease earlier than ever before, when the disease is most treatable. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that survival rates for certain cancers would increase to 95% if all Americans participated in regular screenings.

Who should get screened?

The most important doctor you'll ever have in your life is you, because you know your body best, and are in control of when and how often you visit a medical professional. It is recommended that people between 20 and 40 undergo a physical examination, including some type of cancer and cholesterol screening, every three years. If you're over 40, this exam should be done every year. Factors that necessitate more frequent and in-depth screenings include:

• Family history
• Tobacco use
• Environmental Risks (chemical or radiation exposure)
• Lifestyle (nutrition, diet, and exercise)

Whole-Body CT Scanning
This marvel of modern medicine images your body's vital organs and tissues. It captures your health from the inside out, revealing build-up in your coronary arteries, nodules in your lungs and potential tumors in your abdomen and pelvis.

Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

Over half the people who died suddenly of a heart attack had no prior symptoms. To combat this, you can undergo a coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) exam to scan the heart and detect calcium deposits along the walls of arteries. The test them produces a calcium score that identifies your level of deposits. Taking into account other factors such as age, family history and cholesterol level, your doctor uses that score to measure your potential heart disease.

Lung Screening

More people dies of lung cancer than any other type of cancer. But if this cancer is caught during its earliest stages, five-year survival rates double.

This exam gives people who were smokers or have a family history of lung cancer the chance to reveal lung carcinoma at it most successful treatable stages.

What to Expect During Your Examination

The actual scanning takes just seconds as you lie very still on a slowly moving table. Generally, there is no need to wear a special gown, but you must remove jewelry and any other metal objects (i.e., belts and watches). During the scanning, you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds.

Exam Preparations and considerations

You may be asked to fast for four to six hours before your exam. You may also need to drink a carbonated liquid in order to subtly "inflate" your internal organs for better visualization.

CT scans are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not undergo any X-ray procedures. It's important to discuss any allergies, medications, and existing conditions with your doctor before any type of diagnostic exam.