Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology department has highly specialized radiologists that are trained to read and perform exams in various body regions utilizing CT Scans in Houston.  Our 16 and 64 slice CT scanners are able to produce sub-millimeter slices and acquire more data in less time, producing high resolution image quality. Our highly trained, certified CT technologists perform routine CT procedures as well as advanced imaging procedures including: CT Angiography, CT Cardiac Imaging, and CT Virtual Colonoscopy.

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology Department is proud to be the premier provider of Imaging and Interventional procedures for the world renowned Cooley Transplant Center and the Center for Liver Disease at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center.

A computerized axial tomography scan is an X-Ray procedure that combines many X-Ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Computerized axial tomography is more commonly known by its abbreviated names, CT scan or CAT scan. A CT scan is used to define normal and abnormal structures in the body and/or assist in procedures by helping to accurately guide the placement of instruments or treatments.

A large donut-shaped x-ray machine takes X-Ray images at many different angles around the body. These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of the body. In each of these pictures the body is seen as an X-Ray "slice" of the body, which is recorded on a film. This recorded image is called a tomogram. "Computerized Axial Tomography" refers to the recorded tomogram "sections" at different levels of the body.

Imagine the body as a loaf of bread and you are looking at one end of the loaf. As you remove each slice of bread, you can see the entire surface of that slice from the crust to the center. The body is seen on CT scan slices in a similar fashion from the skin to the central part of the body being examined. When these levels are further "added" together, a three-dimensional picture of an organ or abnormal body structure can be obtained.

Our CT technologists are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist ARRT and licensed by the Texas Department of Health (TDH). All technologists participate in continuing education annually to fulfill their licensure credentialing requirement.  Our board certified radiologists plan every CT scan to ensure the safest and lowest radiation dose possible. Our goal is to provide the best image quality while maintaining a safe environment for our patients and their families.

• CT Angiography
• CT Body Imaging
• CT Musculoskeletal
• CT Neuro Imaging
• CT Virtual Colonography

Women should inform their physician if they are pregnant, or if there is any possibility they may be pregnant.

Radiation Dose: Special care is taken during X-Ray examinations to use of the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation.