Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan) Reid Coulombe

Brief Overview CT Scan is used for diagnostics Doctors can’t always make a diagnosis CT scan use radiation to take X-Rays (slices) of the body CT scans take slices and turn into 3D images

History (early 1900’s) Alessandro Vallebona (Italy) had the idea of taking slices of the body for imaging (Tomography) (1971) First CT Scan performed (1974) CT Scanners installed The inventors of the CT scan are credited as Godfrey Hounsfield (Britain) and Allan Comrack (South Africa).

State of the Art Widely prevalent Over the past 20 years their use has increased greatly Unnecessary CT Scans? 3D imaging, and better clarity

CT vs MRI CT Scans are usually cheaper CT Scans are typically better at showing bones than MRI, but less effective at showing the soft tissue CT scans take around 5 minutes, MRI’s usually take 30 minutes CT scans can be harmful to the patient, while MRI’s have no known biohazards Both used for for detecting cancer

Limitations In order for better clarity, more exposure to radiation is necessary Human error in reading scans Not very good at depicting soft tissue In order to change the image plane you have to move the patient, unlike with MRI.

Future of CT Scans Discovery CT750 Clearer Imaging due to Garnet detector material Less radiation exposure Faster

Bibliography "CT Scan vs MRI." - Difference and Comparison. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept "X-ray Computed Tomography." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Sept Web. 17 Sept "Read What Your Physician Is Reading on Medscape." EMedicineHealth. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept Healthcare News, GE. "World’s First High Definition CT Scanner Sets New CT Image Clarity Standard." GE, Apr.- May Web