What is a CAT Scan?
A CAT scan, also known as a CT (computerized tomography) scan, is a medical imaging technique that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. CAT stands for “computerized axial tomography”.
The CAT scan was invented in 1972 by British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield at EMI Central Research Laboratories. It represented a major breakthrough in medical imaging and Hounsfield shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in Medicine for its development.
During a CAT scan, a rotating x-ray tube takes multiple images of the body from different angles. The images are processed by a computer to generate cross-sectional “slices” of the body. This allows doctors to see inside the body and visualize detailed internal structures without the need for exploratory surgery.
By combining multiple x-ray images, CAT scans provide significantly more anatomical detail than conventional x-rays. This makes them a vital tool for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring in many areas of medicine.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8555965/
https://catalinaimaging.com/history-ct-scan/
Why Doctors Order CAT Scans
Doctors may order CAT scans for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:
Diagnose diseases and conditions – CAT scans allow doctors to see inside the body in great detail, helping them diagnose conditions affecting the organs, bones, tissues, and blood vessels. They are useful for finding tumors, infections, blood clots, fractures, and more [1].
See inside body without surgery – Whereas operations like exploratory surgery allow doctors to physically look inside the body, CAT scans provide a non-invasive way to view the interior. This allows issues to be identified and diagnosed without resorting to surgery.
Follow up after treatments – CAT scans are often used to monitor conditions and check the effectiveness of treatments over time. They can reveal if tumors or other issues are shrinking, unchanged, or growing after therapy [2].
Preparing for a CAT Scan
There is usually no special preparation needed for a CAT scan. However, you may need to take some steps before your appointment:
– Remove all metal objects like jewelry, eyeglasses, hair pins, etc. Metal can cause artifacts in the images.[1]
– You may be asked to not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the scan if contrast dye will be used. The dye can cause nausea if there is food in your stomach.[2]
– Contrast dye may be used to enhance the images. It can be given orally or through an IV. Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to contrast dye.[3]
During the CAT Scan
During the CAT scan procedure, you will lie still on a table that slides into the CT scanner machine. The CT scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine that has a narrow hole in the center (Mayo Clinic, 2022). The table will move you through this hole slowly as the scan is performed. You may be asked to hold your breath at certain points during the scan.
The actual CAT scan takes between 5-10 minutes to complete. As the table moves through the scanner, the machine rotates around you and sends X-rays through your body from different angles. The entire appointment, including setup and recovery time, takes about 30 minutes (WebMD, 2023).
After the CAT Scan
Once the CAT scan is complete, there are typically no restrictions on diet or activities unless your doctor advises otherwise. The images from the scan are sent to a radiologist, who is a medical doctor that specializes in interpreting diagnostic images. The radiologist will analyze the images and write up a report of the findings.
After the radiologist completes their analysis, they will send the results to your referring physician. Your doctor will then review the radiology report and discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment. This is usually when your doctor will explain the results of the scan, whether they showed any areas of concern, and recommend any next steps based on the findings.
Overall, you can expect it to take a few days to a week or more to get the full results from your doctor after having a CAT scan done. The timing depends on how quickly the radiologist can analyze the images and transmit their report. But in most cases, patients are able to resume their normal diet and activities immediately after the scan is completed.
For more information, see: After Your Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Interpreting CAT Scan Results
After a radiologist examines the images from your CAT scan, they provide a written report of their findings. The radiologist carefully looks at the images for any abnormalities or areas of concern. Some things they may look for are tumors, cysts, infections, inflammation, fractures, and more. The radiologist compares your images to what is considered normal anatomy to determine if anything looks unusual.
The results of your CAT scan help your doctor diagnose medical conditions and diseases. By pinpointing issues seen on the scan, your doctor can better understand what is happening inside your body. In some cases, additional tests like bloodwork, biopsies, or follow-up imaging may be required to further evaluate abnormalities found on your CAT scan.
It’s important to go over your radiology report and discuss the findings with your doctor. They can explain what the results mean for your health and if any additional steps need to be taken. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you don’t understand something in your CAT scan results.
Sources:
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/article-read-radiology-report
https://www.independentimaging.com/understanding-diagnostic-imaging-results/
Benefits of CAT Scans
CAT scans provide many benefits that make them one of the most commonly used diagnostic imaging tests. Some of the main advantages of CAT scans include:
Fast, painless test: CAT scans are relatively quick procedures, usually taking less than 30 minutes to complete. Patients simply lie still on a table that slides through the CT scanner. The test involves no needles, injections or discomfort (Mayo Clinic).
Clear, detailed images: CAT scans produce cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays and computer technology. The resulting pictures provide more detail than conventional X-rays. This allows doctors to see inside the body and view organs, tissues, bones and blood vessels more clearly (RadiologyInfo.org).
Useful for many conditions: Doctors use CAT scans to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions affecting all areas of the body. CAT scans are particularly helpful for viewing the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, bones and blood vessels (Mayo Clinic).
Risks of CAT Scans
While CAT scans provide valuable medical information, there are some potential risks to consider before undergoing the procedure.
Exposure to Radiation
CAT scans expose patients to ionizing radiation, which can damage cell DNA and potentially lead to cancer. According to the FDA, the amount of radiation from a CT scan is comparable to 100-500 chest x-rays[1]. While the risk from a single scan is low, repeated or cumulative exposure to radiation may increase cancer risk over time[2]. Children and fetuses are especially sensitive to radiation, so doctors are cautious about using CAT scans during pregnancy or for pediatric patients.
Allergic Reactions to Contrast Dye
Many CAT scan procedures require an injection of iodinated contrast dye to enhance image quality. Some patients may have allergic reactions to this dye, ranging from mild itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Patients should inform their doctor of any allergies or previous reactions before receiving contrast dye.
Anxiety About Results
Waiting for CAT scan results can produce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some patients worry about the possibility of discovering an unknown health problem. Doctors should provide reassurance and discuss the next steps if any issues are found. Counseling may help patients cope with anxiety related to their scan.
CAT Scan Costs
The cost of a CAT scan can vary greatly depending on whether you have health insurance, where you get the scan done, and what type of scan you need. According to GoodRx, CAT scan prices typically range from $270 on the low end to $5,000 on the high end.
With insurance, CAT scans are often fully or mostly covered, requiring little to no out-of-pocket costs. For example, most insurance plans cover 80% or more of the price after you meet your deductible. So if the scan costs $1,000, you may only have to pay $200 or less.
Without insurance, expect to pay the full price out of pocket. You can ask for a discount or negotiate the price ahead of time. Also, standalone imaging centers or clinics tend to offer lower cash prices than hospitals.
There are some ways to get lower costs on CAT scans without insurance:
- Ask your doctor for a more basic scan if possible
- Use coupons and cash price deals from imaging providers
- Consider payment plans if offered
- Look into state or hospital financial assistance programs
While expensive, CAT scans provide valuable diagnostic information, so the costs may be worthwhile depending on your situation. Discuss options with your provider to find the most affordable way to get this important test.
CAT Scan FAQs
Some common questions people have about CAT scans include:
What is a CAT scan? A CAT scan, also called a CT scan, uses X-rays and computers to take images of the inside of the body. It allows doctors to see bones, organs, blood vessels and soft tissues in great detail.
How long does a CAT scan take? A scan usually takes 10-30 minutes depending on which part of the body is being scanned.
Can I eat or drink before a CAT scan? You may need to avoid food and drinks for several hours beforehand, especially if contrast dye is used. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
When will I get the results? The radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your doctor, usually within 1-2 days. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment.
How do I get a copy of my CAT scan results? You can request a copy of your results from the imaging facility or hospital. Some places provide online patient portals to access results.
Is the radiation from a CAT scan harmful? CAT scans use radiation but the amount is generally low. The benefits usually outweigh the small risks for most patients.
Do CAT scans show cancer? CAT scans can detect tumors and help doctors evaluate if cancer has spread. But a biopsy is required for a definitive cancer diagnosis.
Can I have a CAT scan while pregnant? CAT scans are avoided in pregnancy when possible. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against the risks.