Diagnostic Imaging Service

Computed Tomography (CT)

CT is a computerised x-ray imaging procedure used to create detailed images of bones, internal organs, blood vessels, etc. A narrow beam of x-rays is aimed at the patient and travels around the patient in a spiral as the patient moves through the gantry on the table. The signals collected are processed by a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images otherwise known as “slices” of the imaged area. These slices contain significantly more detailed information than conventional x-rays and can be digitally layered together to form a three-dimensional image. A contrast agent can also be used to further highlight certain abnormalities on the images obtained. As patients will need to be completely still during the examination, an anaesthetic is usually required for the procedure. Patients generally require fasting overnight for this reason.