Benefits

• CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
• A major advantage of CT is that it is able to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
• Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
• CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
• CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
• CT may be less expensive than MRI. In addition, it is less sensitive to patient movement.

  CHEAP ARIZONA CT SCAN

  Phoenix, Arizona CT Scan without contrast starting at $270 without contrast
  Phoenix, Arizona CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $370
  Phoenix, Arizona Analog Mammogram $125, Ultrasound $150, PET Scan $1600

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations available in Phoenix and within an hour drive of Phoenix.

  CHEAP CALIFORNIA CT SCAN

      Cheap Los Angeles County, California CT Scan

  Los Angeles County, California CT Scan starting at $270 without contrast
  Los Angeles County, California CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $370
  Los Angeles County, California Arthrogram starting at $640
  Los Angeles County, California Bilateral Breast MRI with and without contrast $710

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations available in Los Angeles County, California.

  Cheap Orange County, California CT Scan

  Orange County, California CT Scan starting at $270 without contrast
  Orange County, California CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $370
  Orange County, California Bilateral Breast MRI with and without contrast $510

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations available in Orange County, California.

  Cheap San Diego area, California CT Scan

  San Diego area, California CT Scan starting at $270 without contrast
  San Diego area, California CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $370

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations available in San Diego area, California.

  Cheap San Francisco area, California CT Scan

  San Francisco area, California CT Scan starting at $270 without contrast
  San Francisco area, California CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $370

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations available in San Francisco area, California.

  Cheap Northern California CT Scan

  Northern California area, CT Scan starting at $270 without contrast
  Northern California area, California CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $370

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations available in Northern California area.

  CHEAP FLORIDA CT SCAN

  Florida CT Scan without contrast starting at $250 without contrast
  Florida CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $350

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations available throughout Florida. MRI & CT Scan locations Bradenton, Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, Winter Park.

  CHEAP ILLINOIS CT SCAN

  Chicago area, Illinois CT Scan without contrast starting at $280 without contrast
  Chicago area, Illinois CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $400

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations available in and around the Chicago, Illinois area.

  CHEAP CT SCAN

  Las Vegas, Nevada CT Scan $270 without contrast
  Las Vegas, Nevada CT Scan $370 with contrast
  Las Vegas, Nevada CT Scan $450 with and without contrast
  Las Vegas, Nevada PET Scan $1,800

  Two lowest cost imaging center locations available in Nevada: Las Vegas, Henderson.

  CHEAP NEW JERSEY CT SCAN

  New Jersey CT Scan without contrast starting at $270 without contrast
  New Jersey CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast starting at $370

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations include Elizabeth, Fairview, Denville, Nutley, Morristown.

  CHEAP NEW YORK CT SCAN

  New York City, NY CT Scan without contrast $350
  New York City, NY CT Scan with and with and without contrast $450
  New York City, NY PET Scan $1,800
  Location available: Bronx.

  New York CT Scan without contrast $350 without contrast
  New York CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast $450
  Location available: Tonawanda

  CHEAP OHIO CT SCAN

  Columbus, Ohio CT Scan without contrast $350 without contrast
  Columbus, Ohio CT Scan with and/or with and without contrast $450

  CHEAP TENNESSEE CT SCAN

  Nashville, Tennessee CT Scan $270 without contrast
  Nashville, Tennessee CT Scan $370 with or with and without contrast
   

  CHEAP TEXAS CT SCAN

  San Antonio, Texas CT Scan without contrast $270
  San Antonio, Texas CT Scan with or with and without contrast $370

  Texas CT Scan without contrast $270
  Texas CT Scan with contrast $370
  Texas CT Scan with and without contrast $450

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations include Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Plano.

  CHEAP VIRGINIA CT SCAN

  Virginia CT Scan without contrast $350
  Virginia CT Scan with or with and without contrast $450

  Multiple lowest cost imaging center locations include Arlington, Fairfax, Woodbridge.

  
  CT Scans require M.D. or D.C. referral - To schedule a procedure, fax a physician or chiropractic referral (prescription) to (866) 380-6337.  Include patient's contact phone number on the referral form.  With nationwide CT Scan cash pay prices ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, people from every state in the U.S. and Canada have come to our centers to get affordable state-of-the-art CT Scans (note: if interested, please call our office to get the make and model of the imaging equipment).  For more information call (888) 380-6337.

  Our CT Scan systems are designed with patient comfort in mind. It has a patient friendly Wide Open enclosure set and dual-flared short bore integrated Body Module. With this design, patient feels much more at-eased and relaxed. In fact, for most exams except for studies involving your head or neck, you are only partially placed into the bore and can actually see everything around you. In-bore ventilation system, two-way intercom system and hand-held call button also aid in your comfort.

  Difference between CT Scans, X-rays and MRI's...Unlike x-rays and CT Scans, MRI's do not use radiation.  Instead, magnetic resonance creates high-quality images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves.  MRI's can detect certain diseases much earlier than other medical imaging techniques, making it the diagnostic tool of choice for many physicians.

  What is a CAT scan?
  
  A computerized axial tomography scan is more commonly known by its abbreviated name, CAT scan or CT scan. It is an x-ray procedure which combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. A CAT scan is used to define normal and abnormal structures in the body and/or assist in procedures by helping to accurately guide the placement of instruments or treatments. A large donut-shaped x-ray machine takes x-ray images at many different angles around the body. These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of the body. In each of these pictures the body is seen as an x-ray "slice" of the body, which is recorded on a film. This recorded image is called a tomogram. "Computerized Axial Tomography" refers to the recorded tomogram "sections" at different levels of the body.

  Imagine the body as a loaf of bread and you are looking at one end of the loaf. As you remove each slice of bread, you can see the entire surface of that slice from the crust to the center. The body is seen on CAT scan slices in a similar fashion from the skin to the central part of the body being examined. When these levels are further "added" together, a three-dimensional picture of an organ or abnormal body structure can be obtained.

  Why are CAT scans performed?
  
  CAT scans are performed to analyze the internal structures of various parts of the body. This includes the head, where traumatic injuries, (such as blood clots or skull fractures), tumors, and infections can be identified. In the spine, the bony structure of the vertebrae can be accurately defined, as can the anatomy of the intervertebral discs and spinal cord. In fact, CAT scan methods can be used to accurately measure the density of bone in evaluating osteoporosis.

  Occasionally, contrast material (an x-ray dye) is placed into the spinal fluid to further enhance the scan and the various structural relationships of the spine, the spinal cord, and its nerves. CAT scans are also used in the chest to identify tumors, cysts, or infections that may be suspected on a chest x-ray. CAT scans of the abdomen are extremely helpful in defining body organ anatomy, including visualizing the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, aorta, kidneys, uterus, and ovaries. CAT scans in this area are used to verify the presence or absence of tumors, infection, abnormal anatomy, or changes of the body from trauma.

  The technique is painless and can provide extremely accurate images of body structures in addition to guiding the radiologist in performing certain procedures, such as biopsies of suspected cancers, removal of internal body fluids for various tests, and the draining of abscesses which are deep in the body. Many of these procedures are minimally invasive and have markedly decreased the need to perform surgery to accomplish the same goal.

  Are there risks in obtaining a CAT scan?
  
  A CAT scan is a very low-risk procedure. The most common problem is an adverse reaction to intravenous contrast material. Intravenous contrast is usually an iodine-based liquid given in the vein, which makes many organs and structures, such as the kidneys and blood vessels much more visible on the CAT scan. There may be resulting itching, a rash, hives, or a feeling of warmth throughout the body. These are usually self-limiting reactions and go away rather quickly. If needed, antihistamines can be given to help relieve the symptoms. A more serious reaction to intravenous contrast is called an anaphylactic reaction. When this occurs, the patient may experience severe  hives and/or extreme difficulty in breathing. This reaction is quite rare, but is potentially life-threatening if not treated. Medications which may include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and  epinephrine reverse this adverse reaction.

  Toxicity to the kidneys which can result in kidney failure is an extremely rare complication of the intravenous contrast used in CAT scans. Diabetics, dehydrated individuals, or patients who already have impaired kidney function are most prone to this reaction. Newer intravenous contrast agents have been developed, such as Isovue, which have nearly eliminated this complication.

  The amount of radiation a person receives during a CAT scan is minimal. In men and non-pregnant women, it has not been shown to produce any adverse effects. If a woman is pregnant, there may be a potential risk to the fetus, especially in the first trimester of the pregnancy. If a woman is pregnant, she should inform her doctor of her condition and discuss other potential methods of testing, such as an ultrasound, which are not harmful to the fetus.

  CT scans are used to study areas of the body and arm or leg.

  • Chest (thorax). A CT scan of the chest can look for problems with the lungs, heart, esophagus, the major blood vessel (aorta), or the tissues in the center of the chest. Some common problems a CT scan may find include infection,  lung cancer, a pulmonary embolism, and an aneurysm. It also can be used to see if cancer has spread into the chest from another area of the body.
  • Abdomen. A CT scan of the belly can find cysts, abscesses, infection, tumors, an aneurysm, enlarged lymph nodes, foreign objects, bleeding in the belly, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and appendicitis.
  • Urinary tract. A CT scan can find kidney stones, blockage, growths, infection, and problems or diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract. A special CT scan, called a multi-detector row CT urogram, can look for kidney stones and an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) without the need for other tests.
  • Liver. A CT scan can find liver tumors, bleeding from the liver, and liver diseases. A CT scan of the liver can help determine the cause of jaundice.
  • Pancreas. A CT scan can find a tumor in the pancreas or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatis).
  • Gallbladder and bile ducts. A CT scan can be used to check for blockage of the bile ducts. Gallstones occasionally show up on a CT scan, but an ultrasound test is usually used to find gallstones.
  • Adrenal glands. A CT scan can find tumors or enlarged adrenal glands.
  • Spleen. A CT scan can be used to check for an injury to the spleen or the size of the spleen.
  • Arm or leg. A CT scan can look for problems of the arms or legs, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, or foot.

  A CT scan may be used to guide a needle during a tissue biopsy. It may also be used to guide the placement of a needle to drain an  abscess.

  Arrange for someone to take you home in case you get a medicine to help you relax (sedative) for the test.

  If you have a CT scan of your belly, you may be asked to not eat any solid foods starting the night before your scan. For a CT scan of the belly, you may drink contrast material. For some CT scans, you may need a laxative or an enema before the test.

  Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean.

  How It Is Done - A CT scan is usually done by a radiology technologist. The pictures are usually read by a radiologist. Other doctors, such as a family medicine doctor, internist, or surgeon, also may review a CT scan.  You may need to take off any jewelry. You will need to take off all or most of your clothes, depending on which area is studied. You may be able to wear your underwear for some scans. You will be given a gown to use during the test.

  During the test, you will lie on a table that is hooked to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The table slides into the round opening of the scanner, and the scanner moves around your body. The table will move while taking pictures. You may hear a click or buzz as the table and scanner move. It is very important to lie still during the test. During the test, you may be alone in the scanning room. However, the technologist will watch you through a window, and you will be able to talk to him or her through a speaker.

  If dye (contrast material) is needed, it will be given in one of several ways, depending on the body area being studied.

  • Contrast material may be given in a vein (IV) in the arm for chest, belly, and pelvic CT scans.
  • You may drink contrast material for a belly CT, or it may be put through a tube into your bladder or rectum, or it may be put through a thin needle into a joint.

  A CT scan usually takes 30 to 60 minutes but could take 2 hours.  Drink lots of liquids for 24 hours after the scan to help flush the dye out of your body.

  How It Feels  - You will not have pain during the test. The table you lie on may feel hard and the room may be cool. It may be hard to lie still during the test.  Some people feel nervous inside the CT scanner. If a medicine to help you relax (sedative) or dye (contrast material) is used, an IV is usually put in your hand or arm. You may feel a quick sting or pinch when the IV is started. The dye may make you feel warm and flushed and have a metallic taste in your mouth. Some people feel sick to their stomach or have a headache. Tell the technologist or your doctor how you are feeling.

  Risks - The chance of a CT scan causing a problem is small.

  • There is a chance of an allergic reaction to the dye (contrast material).
  • If you have diabetes or take metformin (Glucophage), the dye may cause problems. Your doctor will tell you when to stop taking metformin and when to start taking it again after the test so you will not have problems.
  • There is a slight chance of developing cancer from having tests that use radiation. The chance is higher in children or people who have many radiation tests. If you are concerned about this risk, talk to your doctor about the amount of radiation this test may give you or your child and confirm that the test is needed.

  Results - A computed tomography (CT) scan uses x-rays to make detailed pictures of structures the inside of the body.  The radiologist may discuss the CT Scan with you right after the test. However, complete results usually are available for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.

  Normal:	The organs and blood vessels are normal in size, shape, and location. No blockages in blood vessels are present.
  	No foreign objects, (such as metal or glass fragments), growths (such as cancer), inflammation, or infection are present.
  	No bleeding or collections of fluid are present.
  Abnormal:	An organ may be too large or too small, damaged, or infected. Cysts or abscesses are present.
  	Foreign objects (such as metal or glass fragments) may be present.
  	Kidney stones or gallstones may be present.
  	Growths (such as tumors) may be seen in the colon, lungs, ovary, liver, adrenal gland, or pancreas.
  	A CT scan of the chest may show a pulmonary embolism, fluid in the lungs, or infection.
  	An aneurysm may be present.
  	Blockage may be seen in the intestines or in the bile ducts.
  	A CT of the belly may show inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis.
  	Lymph nodes may be enlarged.
  	Blockages may be present in blood vessels.
  	A growth, fracture, infection, or other problem is present in an arm or leg.

  
  The following may stop you from having the test or may change the test results:

  • Pregnancy. CT scans are not usually done during pregnancy.
  • Barium and bismuth show up on a CT scan. If a CT scan of the belly is needed, it should be done before any tests that use barium, such as a barium enema.
  • You cannot lie still during the test.
  • Metal objects, such as surgical clips, in the belly or metal from joint replacements may cause a problem in seeing the body area clearly.

  What To Think About -

  • Sometimes your CT test results may be different because you were tested at a different medical center or earlier test results are not available to compare to the new test findings.
  • Children who need a CT scan may need special instructions for the test. The child will likely need to hold his or her breath during the scan. If the child is too young to hold still or is afraid, the doctor may give the child a medicine to help him or her relax (sedatgive). 
  • If your child is scheduled for a CT scan, talk with your child's doctor about the need for the scan and the risk of radiation exposure to your child.
  • Special CT scanners called spiral (helical) CT scanners and multi-slice CT scanners are sometimes used for this test. These special scanners can be used for many conditions, such as finding kidney stones, a pulmonary embolism, an enlarged prostate gland, or artherosclerosis. These special CT scanners can:
    • Take better pictures of blood vessels and organs so other imaging tests may not be needed.
    • Test in less time.
  • CT results are often compared to positron emission tomography (PET) results to help find cancer. Some new scanners do both scans at the same time.
  • An electron beam CT scan is another type of CT scan that can find atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. An electron beam CT scan is much faster than a standard CT scan and can take a good picture of a coronary artery while the heart is beating. Electron beam CT scans are not widely available. Another type of CT scanner, the multi-slice CT scan, is nearly as fast as electron beam CT scanners and is more widely available.
  • A CT angiogram shows two- and three-dimensional pictures of blood vessels better than a standard CT scan. For more information, see the medical test Angiogram.
  • Cardiac calcium scoring is a new type of CT scan that is used to test a person's risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is not widely available at this time and is not covered by many insurance plans. Experts disagree about the value of the test, especially for people who do not smoke and do not have other risk factors for CAD. For more information, see the medical test Cardiac Calcium Scoring.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may give more information than a CT scan about certain conditions. However, a CT scan often gives better pictures of bones and sudden (acute) bleeding than an MRI scan. For more information, see the medical test Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Experts disagree about the use of a CT method called full-body scanning to screen for coronary artery disease and cancers. Full-body scanning is expensive, can lead to unnecessary tests or surgery, and may increase the chance of cancer from the radiation exposure. Most doctors do not recommend these studies unless a person has a specific risk for a specific disease

  What is CT Scanning of the Body?

  CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

  CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

  CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams.

  Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

  What are some common uses of the procedure?

  CT imaging is:

  • one of the best tools for studying the chest and abdomen because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.
  • often the preferred method for diagnosing many different cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer, since the image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor and measure its size, precise location and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissue.
  • invaluable in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.
  • an examination that plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death.

  Physicians often use the CT examination to:

  • plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors
  • guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures
  • plan surgery
  • measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis
  • quickly identify injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys or other internal organs in cases of trauma

  How should I prepare for the CAT scan?

  You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure.  Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.

  You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material will be used in your exam. You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies, especially to contrast materials.  Also inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, and if you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. Any of these conditions may increase the risk of an unusual adverse effect.

  What does the equipment look like?

  

  The CT scanner is typically a large machine with a hole, or tunnel, in the center. A moveable examination table slides into and out of this tunnel. In the center of the machine, the x-ray tube and electronic x-ray detectors are located opposite each other on a ring, called a gantry, which rotates around you. The computer that processes the imaging information and monitor are located in a separate room.

  How does the procedure work?

  CAT scan: liver

  CAT scan: abdominal

  CAT scan: appendix

  In many ways CT scanning works very much like other x-ray examinations. X-rays are a form of radiation—like light or radio waves—that can be directed at the body. Different body parts absorb the x-rays in varying degrees.  In a conventional x-ray exam, a small burst of radiation is aimed at and passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special image recording plate. Bones appear white on the x-ray; soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black.

  With CT scanning, numerous x-ray beams and a set of electronic x-ray detectors rotate around you, measuring the amount of radiation being absorbed throughout your body. At the same time, the examination table is moving through the scanner, so that the x-ray beam follows a spiral path. A special computer program processes this series of pictures, or slices of your body, to create two-dimensional cross-sectional images, which are then displayed on a monitor.

  CT imaging is sometimes compared to looking into a loaf of bread by cutting the loaf into thin slices. When the image slices are reassembled by computer software, the result is a very detailed multidimensional view of the body's interior.

  Refinements in detector technology allow new CT scanners to obtain multiple slices in a single rotation. These scanners, called "multislice CT" or "multidetector CT," allow thinner slices to be obtained in a shorter period of time, resulting in more detail and additional view capability.

  Modern CT scanners are so fast that they can scan through large sections of the body in just a few seconds. Such speed is beneficial for all patients but especially children, the elderly and critically ill.  For some CT exams, a contrast material is used to enhance visibility in the area of the body being studied.

  How is the CAT scan performed?

  The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back or possibly on your side or on your stomach. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to hold still during the exam.  If a contrast material is used, it will be swallowed, injected through an intravenous line (IV) or administered by enema, depending on the type of examination.

  

  Next, the table will move quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans. Then, the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed.  You may be asked to hold your breath during the scanning.  When the examination is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist determines that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read.  CT scanning of the body usually lasts between five and 30 minutes.

  What will I experience during and after the procedure?

  Most CT exams are painless, fast and easy. With spiral CT, the amount of time that the patient needs to lie still is reduced.

  Though the scanning itself causes no pain, there may be some discomfort from having to remain still for several minutes. If you have a hard time staying still, are claustrophobic or have chronic pain, you may find a CT exam to be stressful. The technologist or nurse may offer you a mild sedative to help.

  If an intravenous contrast material is used, you will feel a slight pin prick when the needle is inserted into your vein. You may have a warm, flushed sensation during the injection of the contrast materials and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes. Occasionally, a patient will develop itching and hives, which can be relieved with medication. If you become light-headed or experience difficulty breathing, you should notify the technologist or nurse, as it may indicate a more severe allergic reaction.

  If the contrast material is swallowed, you may find the taste mildly unpleasant; however, most patients can easily tolerate it. You can expect to experience a sense of abdominal fullness and an increasing need to expel the liquid if your contrast material is given by enema. In this case, be patient, as the mild discomfort will not last long.

  When you enter the CT scanner, special lights may be used to ensure that you are properly positioned. With modern CT scanners, you will hear only slight buzzing, clicking and whirring sounds as the CT scanner revolves around you during the imaging process.

  You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan, however, the technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times.

  With pediatric patients, a parent may be allowed in the room but will be required to wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure.

  After a CT exam, you can return to your normal activities. If you received a contrast material, you may be given special instructions.

  Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

  A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results with you.

  What are the benefits vs. risks?

• CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device of any kind, unlike MRI.
• CT imaging provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many areas of the body, particularly the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.
• A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy.
• No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
• X-rays used in CT scans usually have no side effects.

Risks

• There is always a slight chance of cancer from radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.
• CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women because of potential risk to the baby.
• Nursing mothers should wait for 24 hours after contrast material injection before resuming breast-feeding.
• The risk of serious allergic reaction to contrast materials that contain iodine is rare, and radiology departments are well-equipped to deal with them.
• Children should have a CT study only if it is essential for making a diagnosis and should not have repeated CT studies unless absolutely necessary.