CAT Scans

• What does CAT scan stand for

  Computerised Axial Tomography
• What are the 4 steps of producing a CAT scan

  • A thin fan shaped beam of x-rays is produced
  • The x-ray beam passes though the patient at different angles by rotating the x-ray tube around the patient
  • An image slice is produced by a computer based on the transmitted intensities of the x-rays
  • The patient is then moved through the machine so the x-ray tube and detectors can produce a new slice
• Advantages of CAT scans over X-rays

  • Produces a 3D image rather than a 2D one
  • The image can be rotated so doctors can better understand the image produced
  • CAT scans can give greater contrast so soft tissues with closer attenuation coefficients can be distinguished
• Disadvantages of CAT scans over X-rays

  • More expensive
  • More time consuming
  • Gives a greater dose of radiation