CT (previously called CAT scanning) stands for computed tomography. This is a sophisticated, painless and non-invasive way of looking inside your body to help your doctor diagnose and treat many conditions. CT uses xrays to obtain numerous "slices" through the area being scanned as the patient moves slowly through the scanner. These slices can then be viewed and manipulated by a radiologist on a computer monitor to look for relevant abnormalities. With the aid of a computer, the slices can be looked at from many different angles to maximise the chances of making a correct diagnosis. CT provides excellent images of bone, internal organs and blood vessels and generally gives more accurate information than conventional xray films. It is commonly used in the diagnosis of cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease and infectious disease. It also plays a valuable role in diagnosing disease in the brain, lungs and bowel. The main disadvantage of CT is related to exposure to xrays. In most cases the benefits of diagnosing disease far outweigh the risk related to radiation exposure. If you are concerned about this, please feel free to discuss it with your radiologist. It is important that any patient undergoing CT scanning who is, or might be pregnant informs the CT department staff before the scan is performed. Some patients are concerned that the scanner is quite enclosed. This is not the case and it is very rare for a patient to be unable to tolerate a scan of this type. | 
