If you are prescribed a CT scan by your physician, you must be concerned. Not to worry, it is just to make sure about your condition so that a correct treatment mechanism can be chosen. Do read the following before you proceed with your scan.

These are the general situations when the doctor prescribes you a ct scan.

• To diagnose your conditions. You may approach with some health issue, but not always your doctor would be able to analyze your condition. He may need some extra information before deciding the mode of treatment. For this, you have to take a ct scan of either the bones or any other internal organs as per the situation.
• To guide treatment methodology: Based on your scan report your physician will be able to guide you in treatment modes. For example in the case of tumors, they need to find out the size, location, and shape of the tumor before commencing treatment.
• Monitor treatment effects: ct scans are also needed after the treatment is over to monitor your condition. Sometimes you may be required to take a scan once a year if you have recovered from any tumor so that doctors can be sure that there is no re-growth.

During the scan, you lie down on your back and are passed into the scanner machine. As you pass through it a ring inside the scanner rotates around the section of your body. It is not like the MRI that surrounds your entire body. You have to lie without any movements so that the image is captured correctly. It is very important for proper diagnosis. The general time taken to take a scan is nearly 20 minutes. Your technician will tell you how to prep for a ct scan in New Jersey.

How safe is ct scans:

• With a low level of exposure to radiation, the risk of developing cancer is also low. The level of exposure also depends on how much of your body part is exposed. Usually, low levels of radiation are only used. Also, scans are prescribed only if absolutely necessary.
• During some imaging, if contrast is used this may cause allergies in some people. This is temporary and has no connection with radiation.
• If you are concerned you should talk to your medical practitioner about this before. Also don’t forget to inform if you are pregnant, in the case of female patients.