What Is The TAC For?
CT is a radiological imaging test. This is used in the diagnosis of many pathologies. In this article we will tell you some interesting facts about this test.
What is the TAC?
The CT or computerized axial tomography is a diagnostic imaging test. It is an X-ray machine that, instead of emitting only one beam of rays as occurs in a conventional X-ray, emits many of them from different directions.
These beams of rays form many different images. The images obtained are processed in the computer and , finally, a reconstruction is generated by planes of the part of the body that has been studied or of the interior of the entire body if it is the case.
The computer can even configure the images to reproduce a 3-dimensional image of the inside of the body. Thus, the images that we can have with a CT scan are much more detailed than those that we would obtain with a conventional X-ray.
What is the TAC based on?
The images of the different internal tissues that are obtained with this imaging test are based on the different absorption of radiation by them. Thus, different tissues are observed of different colors, such as bones, tendons, soft parts, nervous tissue of the brain, and so on.
For example, the bones would appear whiter in color. Areas with air, such as the lung, appear blacker, and areas with an intermediate density, such as the heart or liver, may appear gray.
What is it for?
Since it is a rapid test, the CT is used to assess the condition of many internal parts in emergency situations. Some of them may be after traffic accidents, on suspicion of a cerebrovascular accident or stroke, etc.
On the other hand, it is also one of the main tests in the diagnosis and evaluation of different types of tumors. Some of the most important could be lung, ovarian or liver tumors.
In addition, in conducting the test, different contrasts can be used that will help to generate more detailed images of certain parts.
How it is performed?
The CT scan is a quick, easy, and painless test. For its preparation, the doctor will ask the person to be tested about possible allergies, prostheses, among others. The patient will probably have to remove metal objects, hearing aids, or other objects that may interfere with the development of the test.
The patient will be asked to position himself in a specific position that will facilitate obtaining the desired image. The patient will lie on a table in this position, and it is the table that will slide in and out of the X-ray machine.
The test usually takes no more than 30 minutes. It can even be faster with certain modern equipment and in children.
Is the TAC a dangerous test?
The riskiest part of CT scanning is radiation exposure. The amount of radiation we are exposed to is a safe amount. However, there is always a minimal chance of developing some type of tumor due to it.
The benefit that the test brings us is always much greater than the risk of developing cancer. This is not so in the case of pregnant women. They should always inform the doctor in the event that they intend to perform a CT scan.
This test is generally discouraged in pregnant women and will only be performed if the benefit it can bring outweighs the potential risk to the fetus from radiation.
In summary
The CT scan is a quick, simple and painless test that can provide a lot of important information in the diagnosis of multiple diseases or in the case of emergency situations.
With technological advances, its use is more and more widespread and the technique in the interpretation of the results is more perfected.
