Types of CT Scans

What are the different types of CT scans?

Different types of Computerized Tomography scans, or CT scans, are named for different uses or for what images they are trying to record. However, in most all cases, the basic technology of the CT itself stays the same. X-rays are taken to form three-dimensional images of body parts and organs for radiologists, specialists and doctors to examine.

CT scans can be as pinpointed and tiny as a detailed scan of a bile duct or as large as a more generalized full-body scan. In some cases, CT scans are often paired with Positron Emission Tomography scans, or PET scans, to produce results much more quickly than with conventional CT scans.

Refinements in CT scan technology are evolving constantly which bring even better picture quality. Newer CT scans called "spiral" or "helical" CT scans can provide more rapid and accurate visualization of internal organs.

These recently developed and accurate methods differ from the conventional CT. During the spiral CT the X-ray beam remains on continuously and rotates around the patient as the patient is moved through. This is a much more efficient technique that can reduce the scanning time of the entire abdomen, for example, from approximately two minutes using the conventional CT to 20-30 seconds using the spiral. The resulting images are three-dimensional rather than the two-dimensional images created with conventional techniques.

High resolution CT scans (HRCT) are used to accurately assess the lungs for inflammation and scarring.

See the list of CT scans after the Opinions section.