This decision is based on your complete medical history, the results of previous diagnostic tests and laboratory analyses, your current symptoms, and the type and amount of information needed to establish an accurate diagnosis. Taking all of these factors into account, the physician determines whether the use of contrast is necessary. Therefore, the optimal type of CT examination may differ in each individual case. This is where the physician’s expertise is especially important — choosing the most appropriate diagnostic method specifically for you.

However, there are specific situations in which CT is often performed without contrast:

• Examinations of the spine, joints, and bones (for example, after trauma or when fractures are suspected)
• Pneumonia, including COVID-19

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If a CT scan is planned without the use of a contrast agent, no laboratory tests are required. However, if contrast-enhanced CT is scheduled, it is important to check the blood creatinine level and glomerular filtration rate, especially in patients over 65 years of age or those with kidney disease. This is essential because iodine-containing contrast agents are eliminated through the kidneys, and their proper function must be confirmed.

Why Is Creatinine Tested Before a CT Scan?

Blood creatinine is an indicator of kidney function. Since contrast agents used in CT scans contain iodine, which is excreted by the kidneys, it is necessary to ensure that the kidneys can effectively remove the excess iodine from the body.

What Creatinine Level Is Acceptable for a CT Scan?

If the CT scan is performed without contrast, the creatinine level can be any value. If a contrast agent is to be administered, the creatinine level should be within the age-adjusted normal range, usually 102–127 µmol/L, depending on the measurement system used by the laboratory.

What Foods Should Be Avoided Before a CT Scan?

There are generally no dietary restrictions. However, for abdominal CT scans, fasting is required for at least 4 hours before the procedure. For examinations of other body regions, no special dietary limitations are necessary.

How Long Does a CT Scan Take?

The procedure begins with a planning scan to determine the patient’s position and define the scanning area. This takes a few minutes. If the examination is performed without contrast, the actual scan lasts only a few seconds and usually requires a single breath-hold. If contrast is used, arterial, venous, and delayed phases may be added, each lasting a few seconds, with intervals ranging from 20 seconds to 10 minutes. Overall, a CT scan without contrast takes about 3 minutes, while a contrast-enhanced CT scan typically takes 15–20 minutes.

How Long Does It Take to Receive CT Results?

The visual data (on a CD or USB flash drive) is usually available within 10–15 minutes. The radiologist’s written report is generally ready within 2–3 hours, although in urgent cases this time may be significantly reduced.

How Often Can a CT Scan Be Performed?

Modern CT scanners use a minimal radiation dose — only a few mSv, compared to the generally accepted annual limit of 50 mSv. The interval between examinations is also important. Several CT scans performed in a short period may carry a higher cumulative dose than studies spaced over several months. In serious conditions such as cancer or multiple trauma, CT scans may be performed as often as clinically necessary.

How Does CT Affect the Body? What Is the Radiation Dose?

CT uses ionizing X-ray radiation, which can affect body cells. However, the scanning process itself lasts only a few seconds. Modern scanners provide a low radiation dose — approximately 2–3 mSv per scanned region, which is considered safe for most patients. The exact dose depends on the body area examined, the patient’s body size, and the length of the scanned region.

What Should Be Done After a CT Scan?

No special measures are needed after a CT scan to “remove radiation.” If contrast was administered, it is recommended to drink more fluids to help the kidneys eliminate the contrast agent more quickly. Breastfeeding women are advised to express breast milk for 24 hours after the procedure and feed the baby with previously stored milk or formula during this period.

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There are several important factors that can influence the accuracy of Computed Tomography results. Understanding these factors helps ensure the highest possible image quality and a correct diagnosis.

Movement During the Procedure

If the patient moves or fails to hold their breath when instructed, image clarity may be significantly reduced. This can lead to image distortion and, in some cases, incorrect interpretation.

Metal in the Area Being Examined

Metal objects located within the scanning field may create artifacts and shadows on the images, which can substantially reduce diagnostic accuracy.

Failure to Follow Preparation Instructions

Before the examination, the physician or CT staff provides instructions regarding preparation and procedure requirements. Ignoring these recommendations may significantly reduce the effectiveness and diagnostic value of the study.

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CT without contrast does not require any special preparation. The patient does not need to restrict food or fluid intake before the procedure.

Preparation for Contrast-Enhanced CT

If you are scheduled for a contrast-enhanced CT scan and have no contraindications to contrast administration, you should first undergo blood tests to measure creatinine and urea levels. In addition, food intake should be restricted for 3–4 hours before the examination, while clear liquids are generally allowed.

Special Considerations for Patients with Diabetes

Patients with diabetes mellitus should обязательно consult their physician to adjust medications if necessary before the examination.

Dietary Recommendations Before the Procedure

For 2–3 days before the examination, it may be advisable to avoid foods that promote gas formation and, if required, perform bowel preparation depending on the type of CT study.

After the Procedure

After the CT scan, it is recommended to drink more water to help eliminate the contrast agent from the body. Breastfeeding women are usually advised to express breast milk for 24 hours after the procedure.

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Absolute Contraindications:

• Pregnancy (especially during the first trimester) — CT may be performed only in critical situations when the life of the mother or child is at risk and urgent imaging is necessary.
• Body weight over 120 kg — this limitation applies to standard CT scanners.
• Inability to remain still for the duration of the examination — in some patients, this may make the procedure technically impossible.

Contraindications for Contrast-Enhanced CT:

• Allergy to iodine-containing medications or a history of severe multiple or cross-allergic reactions.
• Previous adverse reactions to iodinated contrast agents during earlier imaging studies.

Situations Requiring Physician Consultation:

• Patients with elevated blood creatinine levels should undergo medical evaluation before contrast administration.
• If there is a history of serious thyroid disorders accompanied by thyrotoxicosis, temporary restrictions on iodine-containing contrast may be necessary.
• Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially those taking glucose-lowering medications, may require temporary adjustment of treatment before and after the examination.

The decision to perform a CT scan in these situations is always made individually by the physician after assessing all potential risks and benefits.

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A contrast agent is a special medication that is administered painlessly during a CT scan. Its main purpose is to improve image quality and increase diagnostic accuracy. This type of examination is often used when oncological diseases are suspected.

Thanks to the contrast agent, the doctor can clearly distinguish between healthy and abnormal tissues, as well as accurately visualize blood vessels and other structures of the body. This helps determine where the contrast accumulates and provides a more detailed assessment of organs and tissues. Contrast-enhanced CT makes it possible to detect abnormalities of blood vessels, lymph nodes, and internal organs at early stages, as well as precisely determine the size and location of tumors.

Contrast-enhanced CT uses minimal doses of X-ray radiation, making this diagnostic method both highly informative and safe for patients when performed according to medical indications.

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As is well known, Computed Tomography is based on the use of X-ray radiation. However, modern CT technology uses this principle in a much more advanced way. During a CT scan, the body is imaged layer by layer, producing very thin slices. The X-ray source rotates continuously, creating a focused beam. In practice, this means that the radiation dose received by the patient is relatively low. Nevertheless, every CT examination involves some level of radiation exposure, which is why CT should be performed only when there are clear medical indications and/or a physician’s referral.

The radiation dose also depends on the CT scanner being used. If the examination is performed on a modern scanner with advanced dose-reduction technology, such as the Philips MX8000 used by the specialists at the MedService Medical Center, the radiation exposure is minimized.

Even under these conditions, the decision to perform a CT scan and the frequency of such examinations should be determined by the treating physician based on the patient’s individual characteristics and medical history.

In many cases, fear of radiation may prevent patients from receiving timely diagnostics. However, it is important to understand that the small risk associated with CT is not comparable to the diagnostic value of the information obtained, which is often essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis and choosing the most effective treatment.

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CT and X-ray

Both CT and conventional X-ray are based on the use of ionizing radiation. A CT scanner is sometimes referred to as a “large X-ray machine.” Although the underlying principle is similar, CT is many times more informative. For example, standard chest X-rays may be less effective in detecting early viral pneumonia, including COVID-19, while CT can reveal even subtle changes in lung tissue.

Differences Between CT and MRI

The main difference between CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) lies in the type of energy used to create images. MRI uses electromagnetic fields and radio waves, so it does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. For this reason, MRI is considered a very safe diagnostic method and can be used in many patients, including children and some pregnant women when clinically indicated.

A significant disadvantage of MRI compared to CT is the duration of the examination. MRI usually takes 20–60 minutes, whereas CT generally takes 5–20 minutes. This may be uncomfortable for patients with claustrophobia. MRI is also contraindicated in individuals with certain pacemakers, neurostimulators, and some metal implants or foreign bodies.

Which Is Better: CT or MRI?

CT and MRI are fundamentally different methods, each with its own strengths.

CT is particularly effective for oncologic screening, evaluation of the chest and abdominal organs, lungs, bones, trauma, and hemorrhage.

MRI is especially useful for examining the brain and spinal cord, pelvic organs, blood vessels, joints, and soft tissues.

The choice between CT and MRI depends on the clinical situation and should be determined by a physician.

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This type of examination helps provide a comprehensive view of the brain, its membranes, skull bones, and blood vessels. It is used for traumatic brain injuries, suspected tumors, hemorrhagic strokes, and vascular abnormalities.

CT is considered an essential method for confirming acute and chronic sinusitis. In addition to infectious inflammatory processes, it can detect tumors and traumatic injuries of the nose and surrounding structures.

Computed Tomography not only clearly visualizes the lungs, but also reveals abnormalities that may not be visible on fluorography. CT can assess blood vessels, the trachea, bronchi, and lymph nodes, including the detection of tumors.

CT provides excellent visualization of many pathological conditions, including abdominal aortic aneurysms, tumors, cysts, and fluid collections. CT colonography with contrast is a modern and painless alternative to conventional colonoscopy.

Recommended when infections and inflammatory conditions such as pyelonephritis, cysts, tumors, or the consequences of trauma are suspected. However, contrast-enhanced CT is contraindicated in acute kidney failure.

Allows the detection of coronary artery disease without invasive procedures such as catheterization. The heart, coronary arteries, and major blood vessels are clearly visualized.

Determines not only the presence but also the extent of cartilage and bone damage, including fractures, hematomas, vertebral displacement, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, arthritis, tumors, intervertebral hernias, spinal curvature, and osteochondrosis.

Used not only for diagnosing pelvic bone injuries, but also for gynecological and urological diseases, inflammatory processes, vascular pathology, and oncology.

CT can detect trauma, changes in the joint surface, degenerative disorders of bone and cartilage, and inflammatory processes. A special category is CT of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is useful not only for assessing injuries but also for planning dental implant placement.

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When Is CT Most Commonly Prescribed?

CT can be used as a primary diagnostic method, meaning it is performed as the first examination, or as a follow-up study to уточнить findings obtained by other diagnostic methods. CT has high sensitivity and specificity, making it an extremely valuable tool in modern medicine.

• Tumors of various organs and systems
• Injuries and fractures
• Diseases of the abdominal organs
• Vascular pathology
• Neurological disorders

What Does CT Show?

CT produces cross-sectional images of the body, providing a three-dimensional view of internal organs, systems, and pathological changes.

CT makes it possible to assess the shape, size, and density of organs.

It also visualizes tumors, cysts, inflammatory processes, and many other pathological conditions.

When contrast enhancement is used (CT angiography), it is possible to build 3D models of blood vessels, including the arteries of the head and neck, the aorta, and other vascular structures.

Does CT Influence Treatment Decisions?

CT plays an important role in establishing a diagnosis and monitoring treatment outcomes.

CT allows the detection of tumors at early stages, enabling timely treatment and helping physicians determine the most appropriate scope and strategy of therapy based on imaging findings.

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