Ask The Experts: Low Dose CT

We finish this months discussion with Dr. Ajay Viswambharan on CT scans, focusing on low dose CT scans. Previously, he discussed what a CT scan is and how it works, as well as the concern for radiation exposure. He continues to answer questions regarding the low dose CT scans available at Atlantic Medical Imaging, and what precautions we take to lower radiation doses.

Are the images with a low dose CT scan as clear as the standard CT scan?

Yes. Image quality is calibrated to maintain diagnostic quality. At Atlantic Medical Imaging we ensure that your imaging will be done with the least possible radiation while still maintaining exceptionally high quality imaging.

What measures do you put in place to ensure each patient receives a low dose CT scan?

CT scanners at all AMI offices automatically use addition special software (called ASIR or SafeCT, depending on the model). They are automatically used on all exams on all patients. 

What is the average dose of radiation with each scan, and how does that compare to the natural/environmental exposure?

Dose reduction varies by body part scanned. Typical dose reductions are in 30-50% range. So many exams are half the dose of standard CT scanners without this additional software that AMI has installed.

AMI is part of the Radiation Dose Registry for ACR, what does that entail and how does AMI monitor the protocols for low dose ct scans?

All individual patient doses are sent from the scanners to the American College of Radiology Dose Registry. They compare our doses to those of other Radiology centers. We get reports from the ACR detailing how our doses compare to other centers. AMI CT doses are as low or lower than many of the leading radiology centers.

For more information on CT scans please visit : http://atlanticmedicalimaging.com/pages/what-is-a-ctcat-scan

Ask the Experts: Low Dose CT Scans

As you read in our last Ask The Experts Post, Atlantic Medical Imaging has recently installed ultra low dose CT technology in all of our outpatient imaging facilities that provide CT scans. This new technology ensures that each patient is receiving the least amount of radiation possible.

In this post, we continue the discussion with Dr. Ajay Viswambharan and focus on the use of CT scans and how AMI is able to reduce radiation exposure.

What are some common uses of a CT scan? (Why would a doctor order a CT?)

Some common reasons why a doctor would order a CT scan would be to assess a body part's structure or shape, or diagnose a disease, trauma, or injury. CT scans are also a great alternative to certain types of exploratory or diagnostic surgeries. They can also aid in the planning of surgery or as a visual aid for biopsies and other interventional procedures.

When would a patient have a CT scan versus an MRI?

A physician would determine if a CT or MRI is needed based on what part of the body they want to see, and the reason for the exam.  For example, a CT scan does not show tendons and ligaments as well as an MRI due to the density of the tissue. The spinal cord is best seen with an MRI for the same reason. 
CT scans however, are the preferred method when diagnosing or assessing cancer and tumors, pneumonia, to see the chest and lungs, or to see the sinus cavities. CT scans are also very beneficial to see the internal organs, for trauma patients, and to rule out internal bleeding. 

There is concern about radiation exposure, how does AMI ensure that the CT scanners are low dose?

In addition to software built into all CT scanners that adjusts the radiation dose based on the patients size, all AMI CT scanners are equipped with special software that allows the use of less radiation to generate diagnostic quality images. This software is used on all exams so that all patients will benefit.

Continue to check back for more questions answered by Dr. Viswambharan. 

If you would like a specific question answered, please visit the Ask The Experts page and leave your question in the comment section. We will work hard to ensure your question is answered by one of our radiologists.

Ask The Experts: Low Dose CT Scans

Atlantic Medical Imaging recently installed low dose CT technology in all of their outpatient imaging facilities that provide CT scans. The new technology reduces the radiation  exposure by up to 75% without compromising the quality of the images. This month's blog will focus on the new low dose CT technology and the benefits to patients and referring physicians.

In this edition of the AMI blog Dr. Ajay Viswambharan, a board certified radiologist at Atlantic Medical Imaging, answers some of the commonly asked questions about CT scans (CAT Scans).

What is a CAT scan?

Computerized tomography (CT), also known as a CAT scan, is a non-invasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied.

CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders.

How does a CAT scan work?

In many ways, CT scanning works very much like an x-ray examination. In a conventional x-ray exam, a small burst of radiation is aimed at and passes through the body, recording an image onto photographic film or a special image recording plate. Bones appear white on the x-ray; soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black. However, unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissues as well as bones and blood vessels. 

Advancements in imaging technology now allow new CT scanners to obtain multiple slices in a single rotation. The scanners, called "multi-slice CT" or "multi-detector CT", allow thinner slices to be obtained in a shorter period of time, resulting in more detail, additional view capability, and shorter patient exam time. This is beneficial for all patients but especially children, the elderly and the critically ill.

What should I expect during the exam?

A CT exam usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the type of exam. Most CT exams are painless, fast and easy. With spiral CT, the amount of time that a patient needs to lie still is reduced. 

The technologists begins the CT exam by positioning you on the exam table. You be will be asked to lay very still and at times hold your breath. Next, the table will move quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans. Then the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed. 

You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan, however, the technologists will be able to see, hear, and speak with you at all times. With pediatric patients, a parent may be allowed in the room but will be required to wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure.

Is there any preparation for the CAT scan?

The CT exam may require the use of a contrast material to enhance visibility of certain tissues and blood vessels. The contrast material can be administered via IV (intravenous) or orally. With intravenous contrast material, you will feel a slight pin prick when a needle is inserted into your vein. You may have a warm, flushed sensation during the injection of the contrast materials and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes. Occasionally, a patients will develop itching and hives, which can be relieved with medications. If you become light-headed or experience difficulty breathing, you should notify the technologist or nurse, as it may indicate a more severe allergic reaction. With oral contrast, you will be asked to drink the contrast agent prior to the exam. 

Continue to check back for more information on low dose CT scans from Dr. Viswambharan. 

SafeCT®, Now Available at Atlantic Medical Imaging

Atlantic Medical Imaging is now offering ultra low dose ct scans, with up to 75% less radiation than standard CT imaging.

AMI is the first radiology practice in the area to provide ultra low dose CT scanning at all of our outpatient facilities that provide CT services. With this new, highly advanced technology, we are able to reduce radiation doses by 50-75%* without compromising image quality.

You can be assured that your imaging will be done with the least possible radiation dose while still maintaining exceptionally high quality imaging. When you or your loved one needs a CT scan, ask for the ultra low dose CT scan at AMI. It’s one more reason why AMI is the region’s leader in medical imaging.

Recently, The Press of Atlantic City published an article featuring Dr. Robert Glassberg, President & CEO of AMI, discussing the new technology. To read the article click HERE.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call (609) 677-XRAY (9729).

*Compared to conventional CT scanners.

Ask The Experts: Low Dose CT Scans

Atlantic Medical Imaging recently installed low dose CT technology in all of their outpatient imaging facilities that provide CT scans.  This new technology reduces the radiation exposure by up to 75% without compromising the quality of the images.  This month's blog will focus on this new, low dose CT technology and the benefits to patients and referring clinicians.

In this edition of the AMI blog, Dr. Ajay Viswambharan, a board certified radiologist at Atlantic Medical Imaging, answers some of the commonly asked questions about CT scans (CAT scans).

What is a CAT scan?

Computerized tomography (CT), also known as CAT scan, is a non-invasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. 

CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologist can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. 


How does a CAT scan work?

In many ways, CT scanning works very much like an x-ray examination. In a conventional x-ray exam, a small bursts of radiation is aimed at and passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special image recording plate. Bones appear white on the x-ray; soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black. However, unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissues as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels. 


Advancements in imaging technology now allow new CT scanners to obtain multiple slices in a single rotation. These scanners, called "multi-slice CT" or "multi-detector CT", allow thinner slices to be obtained in a shorter period of time, resulting in more detail, additional view capability and shorter patient exam time. This is beneficial for all patients but especially children, the elderly and critically ill. 

What should I expect during the exam?

A CT exam usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the type of exam. Most CT exams are painless, fast and easy. With spiral CT, the amount of time that the patient needs to lie still is reduced.

The technologist begins the CT exam by positioning you on the exam table. You will be asked to lay very still and at times hold your breath. Next, the table will move quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans. Then, the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed. 

You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan, however, the technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times. With pediatric patients, a parent may be allowed in the room but will be required to wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure.

Is there any preparation for the CAT scan?

The CT exam may require the use of a contrast material to enhance the visibility of certain tissues and blood vessels. The contrast material can be administered via IV (intravenous) or orally. With an intravenous contrast material, you will feel a slight pin prick when a needle is inserted into your vein. You may have a warm, flushed sensation during the injection of the contrast materials and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes. Occasionally, a patient will develop itching and hives, which can be relieved with medications.  If you become light-headed or experience difficulty breathing, you should notify the technologists or nurse, as it may indicate a more severe allergic reaction. With oral contrast, you will be ask to drink the contrast agent prior to the exam. 


Continue to check back for more information on low dose CT scans from Dr. Viswambharan.