A CT or CAT (computed tomography) scan combines X-ray and computer technology to show highly detailed, 3-D images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, organs and blood vessels. Scans can also be performed using a contrast solution (either swallowed or injected) to make tissues and vessels more visible.
Byrd Regional Hospital utilizes advanced 64-slice CT technology that can capture images of a beating heart in five heartbeats, an organ in one second, and perform a whole body scan in 10 seconds. This technology results in less radiation exposure for patients, and can be used to examine a wider range of conditions – everything from exams of the heart, spine, lungs and colon, to advanced techniques such as angiography.