What is a Low-Dose CT Scanner?

Prevention and early detection are vital when it comes to your overall health. While making positive adjustments to your lifestyle to reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease and other disorders, it’s equally important to know the status of your health right now. This can be done with the help of a low-dose CT scan. A low-dose CT scanner uses less radiation than a typical machine, so it’s safer and easier for people to access preventative care.

What Is the Purpose of a CT Scan?

A CT scanner, also known as a CAT scan, is a type of medical imaging device that helps healthcare professionals detect problems in a person’s organs, bones, and other tissues using radiation. These detailed CT scan images can lead to an early diagnosis and better chances of successful treatment for many patients.

A CT scan can be used to detect plaque buildup in your arteries, known as your coronary calcium score, and abnormal growths in your lungs and other parts of the body. The purpose of a CT scan is to find health issues early on so that treatment is both quicker and more effective. People who want a healthier lifestyle or just want to screen for signs of cardiovascular disease or lung cancer should consider a low-dose CT scan as a powerful preventative tool.

CT Scans and Radiation Exposure

During a typical low-dose CT scan, a patient will lie flat on a movable table so the scanner can capture images of the heart, arteries, lungs, and other parts of the body. An X-ray tube rotates around the patient, taking a series of internal images that are known as slices. This X-ray tube is open on both sides so there is no feeling of being inside the scanner.  These slices are then put together using a computerized program to provide a highly detailed image. Each rotation will create a new image slice, so several slices are taken over the course of the scan.

In order to get these high-quality images, CT scanners must use high-ionizing radiation. Understanding the risks of radiation exposure is essential when it comes to knowing what is best for your health. Extended exposure to high levels of radiation can put patients at higher risk for cell damage and cancer in some cases. However, the dangers of radiation exposure are minimal with a low-dose CT scanner, and the benefits of early detection far outweigh any risks that might be involved.

How is a Low-Dose CT Scanner Different?

A standard scanner uses a high dose of radiation to take a detailed image, so it’s important to consider low-dose technology whenever possible. Low-dose CT scanners used for screening procedures require significantly less radiation than a standard CT scanner. The low-dose Siemens SOMATOM go.ALL CT scanner at Preventative Diagnostic Center in Las Vegas uses the least amount of radiation possible to create the highest quality images in a matter of minutes.

Also, the speed of the low-dose CT scan procedure and the reliability of the results mean you won’t have to undergo prolonged radiation exposure or have to repeat the scan due to inaccurate results. The innovative design of the Siemens CT scanner also allows for customized doses for each patient based on age, size, weight, and anatomy, so you won’t be exposed to more radiation than is absolutely necessary.

Benefits of a Low-Dose CT Scanner

Unfortunately, many medical conditions, diseases, and disorders cannot be found with a typical physical examination. There may be something going on within the body that can only be detected with a high-resolution CT scan. Without early detection, problems such as clogged arteries, lung disease, and other abnormalities throughout the body can go unnoticed until they require extensive treatment or invasive surgery.

To help you take charge of your health, here are the benefits of a low-dose CT scan:

• Less Radiation A lower dose of radiation means less risk for cell damage and other issues related to high radiation levels.
• Non-Invasive Patients can stay on top of their health without having to undergo surgery, be sedated, or take medications or dyes.
• Short Scan The low-dose CT scan itself only takes about 30 seconds, while the entire process is completed within 15 minutes.
• High-Quality Images. The detailed low-dose CT scan images give medical professionals an in-depth look inside the body for a quick and effective
• Easy Accessibility for Patients. The low-dose Siemens SOMATOM go.ALL CT scanner at Preventative Diagnostic Center in Las Vegas can accommodate patients of nearly all

The earlier you can detect a health issue, the quicker you can receive treatment and make changes to your lifestyle to avoid permanent damage. With the help of a low-dose CT scan, you can even prevent a pending heart attack or stroke by getting the care you need based on your scan results. While some people may say that ignorance is bliss, ignoring signs of medical problems can be detrimental and, in some cases, even fatal.

At Preventative Diagnostic Center in Las Vegas, we’re here to help you take control of your health with our low-dose CT scans. We offer heart CT scans, lung CT scans, and full-body CT scans to detect issues early and prevent health problems in the future. Our innovative low-dose CT scanner ensures our patients can feel safe and comfortable while taking steps to improve their overall health. Contact our Las Vegas team to learn more about low-dose CT scans and the services we offer.