CT Scan

Computed Tomography (CT) scanning utilizes x-rays, detectors, and computers to create images of a specific body part or a combination of contiguous (touching each other) parts. The images are acquired in axial (top to bottom) views, which can be manipulated into sagittal (left to right) and/or coronal (front to back) views. Because CT slices (pictures) are digital, they can be processed into 3D images as well.

Newer CT technology allows for multiple images (slices) to be obtained with each revolution of the x-ray tube inside the gantry (doughnut). This allows for much faster (patient comfort) scan times. We have a 16 slice scanner at Florida Hospital North Pinellas.

The CT department offers a wide range of routine exams (head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities). We also offer angiographic exams and invasive exams like biopsies, tube insertions and drainages.

Certain exams require oral contrast to assist in CT imaging enhancement. Your doctor will decide whether or not intravenous or oral (by mouth) contrast is necessary. At the time your CT scan appointment is made, your physician will notify you if you need oral contrast solution and how to obtain it from a local pharmacy.

Procedures

• Head: CT head, facial bones, orbits, sinuses Neck: CT soft tissue neck (may need IV contrast), cervical spine Chest: CT chest (may need IV contrast), heart (IV contrast), pulmonary arteries (IV contrast)
• Body: CT abdomen (may need oral and/or IV contrast), pelvis (may need oral and/or IV contrast)
• Spine: CT cervical, thoracic, lumbar (may be done with myelogram)
• Extremities: CT upper (shoulders, arms, elbow, wrist, hand), CT lower (hip, leg, knee, ankle, foot) (all may be done with or without IV contrast)
• Arteries: CT angiographic exams head to toe (IV contrast)