Purpose

CT scans are a helpful type of imaging scan used to look into the body non-invasively. CT scans use special x-ray equipment and computers to make multiple cross sectional images. These x-ray images when processed together by a computer makes slices and a three dimensional image of the body. This feature is very helpful to the radiologists who look at the image.

          CT scans are much better then standard x-rays in multiple ways .The images from a CT scan are much clearer and more detailed when compared to images from standard x-rays. Because of this feature radiologists can diagnose problems much easier. The x-ray machine is a very fast machine to use, but the CT machine is nearly as fast, the difference is irrelevant. CT scans are also great for people with multiple injuries of different types. As you can see CT scans are much better than x-ray scans in many different ways.

          CT scans are painless and accurate; it is not a painful scan to do. The scan can view all types of tissues such as: bone, soft tissues, and blood vessels. Despite the CT machines very high cost it is still cheaper then a MRI, yet for what it’s worth it is very cost effective. Also the CT scan can be done with medical devices implanted in the patient. It also has no immediate side effects.

          There are some negative effects of CT scans unfortunately. CT scans do use radiation, but in most cases this is harmless. MRI machines are sometimes better for certain applications, but they are also more expensive. There is also a maximum weight limit of the 450lb range. Because of radiation young children and pregnant woman should only use CT scans when it is desperately needed. Even with the disadvantages, the advantages definitely outweigh them.

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Ethical Issues and Impacts

There are not ethical issues associated with CT scans because it is essentially a x-ray that is more accurate. It is painless but a contrast material will be injected or digested into the patient so there is a clearer image. They may feel warm or flushed after taking the contrast material when injected. If it is digested, there is a metallic taste to it. The scan has a varying but mostly large amounts of radiation depending on how much of the body is scanned. Children are more sensitive to radiation so it is advised to not CT scan youth unless necessary. Other than the possibility of cancer, the doctor will know what you have and you will be treated correctly. The chart below shows the amount of radiation for each scanning method. CT scans are the highest because of the 3D method of scanning. Underneath is a CT scan of lungs from two angles.

Radiological Society of North America, (2012) Retrieved from http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct on April 21
Dr. Mehmet Oz, (2011) Retrieved from http://www.oprah.com/health/Are-X-Rays-and-CT-Scans-Safe-Radiation-Risks-Dr-Oz on April 22