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Medicine vocabulary · Diagnosis and Tests

CT scan

Meaning in medicine, with examples

/ˌsiː ˈtiː skæn/nounCore term

In medicine, CT scan means: A scan that uses X-rays taken from many angles and a computer to build detailed cross-section pictures of the body. CT stands for computed tomography.

In Turkish: BT, bilgisayarlı tomografi, tomografi

How it is used

Doctors request a CT scan, often 'a CT of the head' or 'a CT abdomen', with or without contrast. In speech people just say 'CT' or 'scan': 'She's gone for her CT.' Older patients may say CAT scan.

Example sentences

  1. The CT scan of his head showed no bleeding.

  2. We'll need a CT scan with contrast to look at the pancreas properly.

Common collocations

  • CT scan with contrast
  • request a CT scan
  • CT head
  • CT findings
  • MRIShort for magnetic resonance imaging: a scan that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to make detailed pictures, especially of the brain, spine, joints and soft tissues.
  • X-rayAn image of the inside of the body made with a type of radiation that passes through soft tissue but is blocked by bone and other dense structures.
  • ultrasoundA scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to make live pictures of organs, blood vessels or a baby in the womb, without using radiation.
  • investigationA test or examination, such as a blood test or a scan, done to find the cause of a patient's problem or to check their condition.
  • strokeSudden damage to part of the brain caused by a blocked blood vessel or by bleeding, which can cause weakness, speech problems or loss of vision.

More terms: Diagnosis and Tests

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.