Whole-body CT scan

Computed tomography (CT) of the whole body is a highly informative examination that involves layer-by-layer scanning of internal organs, blood vessels, bones, and soft tissues.

At «Oxford Medical», CT is performed on an expert-class Siemens Somatom scanner. It provides 64-slice scanning with a step of 0.7 mm and makes it possible to diagnose tumors and other pathological changes as small as 1 mm. At the same time, the radiation exposure level for the body is minimal.

Whole-body CT includes examination of:

• head and neck;

• chest organs;

• abdominal organs;

• pelvic organs;

• large vessels;

• arms and legs.

Comprehensive CT is performed only as prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes only certain areas require diagnosis. In other cases, patients are also prescribed spinal CT.

CT screening is prescribed when it is necessary to assess the condition of all internal organs, blood vessels, bones, and soft tissues. Most often, the examination is performed in cases of suspected oncological diseases as well as during treatment. It makes it possible to detect tumors and metastases as small as 1 mm. CT is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and during remission – for early detection of recurrence.

Low-dose CT does not require special preparation. Preparation is necessary only before CT with contrast.

Before the examination, it is recommended to:

• avoid products that cause increased gas formation for 2–3 days (fresh vegetables and fruits, milk, confectionery, legumes, etc.);

• not eat for 4–6 hours before the examination;

• coordinate the possibility of taking medications before CT with a doctor;

• cleanse the intestines using a laxative or enema (only as prescribed by a doctor);

• remove all accessories with metal parts before CT (earrings, chains, bracelets).

Preparation features may vary depending on which areas will be examined.

Computed tomography is a non-invasive and painless examination. For the procedure, the patient lies on a sliding couch that moves inside the scanner. The doctor then goes into an adjacent room and turns on the tomograph. It performs layer-by-layer scanning of the body using X-ray radiation.

The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes. During this time, the doctor maintains contact with the patient through the intercom installed in the device.

The CT images are transferred to a computer, where three-dimensional black-and-white images are generated, showing thin slices of individual organs, vessels, and tissues. The specialist carefully examines and describes them, after which the patient receives a report.

For oncological screening, CT is most often performed with contrast enhancement. The substance accumulates in tumor tissues and also improves visualization of blood vessels.

CT with contrast has special diagnostic value when examining the brain, soft tissues of the throat, chest organs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, salivary glands, pelvic organs, and vessels.

To administer contrast, a catheter is placed in the patient’s vein. The drug is delivered by an automatic injector, which eliminates the risk of insufficient or excessive injection. After the procedure, it is naturally excreted from the body. To speed up this process, it is recommended to drink more fluids.

During CT, the body is scanned layer by layer using X-ray radiation. In particular, the device installed at «Oxford Medical» provides 64-slice scanning with a step of 0.7 mm. The images obtained are transferred to a computer, where, with the help of special software, three-dimensional black-and-white images are created, showing thin slices of individual organs, vessels, and tissues.

The radiologist carefully studies the obtained images and evaluates all anatomical structures of the examined area. They check the position of organs, their size, tissue structure, and more. In case of pathology detection, it is described in detail.

Usually, CT results are available to patients within 24 hours. During whole-body tomography, the specialist needs to carefully process dozens of images, so more time is required. If urgent results are needed, the images can be described within a few hours.

The price for a whole-body CT scan may vary depending on the number of areas examined. Often, patients do not need a scan of the entire body, but only of the head and neck, chest, abdominal cavity, and pelvis. The price also depends on the type of CT scan: low-dose CT is cheaper, while CT scans of all organs with contrast are more expensive.

You can find out the cost of a whole-body CT scan in Kyiv at the Oxford Medical Medical Center here.

At "Oxford Medical" you can have a CT scan in Bereznyai. Patients are admitted daily by appointment.