What Does the Ct Stand for in Ct Scan

• Bone Scan vs CT Scan
  • What is the difference between a bone scan and a CT scan?
• Bone Scan Procedure
  • What to expect during a bone scan
• CT Scan Procedure
  • What to expect during a CT scan
• Center
  • What Is the Difference Between a Bone Scan and a CT Scan? Center

What is the difference between a bone scan and a CT scan?

A bone scan and a CT scan are used to diagnose various bone conditions.

A bone scan and a computed tomography (CT) scan are both used to diagnose various bone conditions. The specific use of a bone scan is to diagnose active bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease or the spread of cancer into the bone. A CT scan is a high-resolution X-ray that gives detailed information about organ anatomy.

Table. The difference between a bone scan and a CT scan

Differences	Bone scan	CT scan
Description	A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that aids in the diagnosis and tracking of several bone diseases.	A CT scan uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create images of the bones.
Type	Nuclear imaging	Noninvasive diagnostic
Tools	Uses radioactive materials	Combination of X-ray and computer technology
Radiation exposure	There is minimal yet definite risk of radiation exposure	Higher risk of radiation exposure
Procedure	In a bone scan, the physician injects a radioactive material or tracer into the vein to highlight the problematic areas. Next, a large camera scans and clicks images of the highlighted areas. You might also need to have a follow-up CT scan to know the exact location of this abnormal area.	In a CT scan, you are secured to a scan table that slides into a large, round opening of the scanning machine. Once you are inside the machine, the scanner rotates around you. You will be exposed to X-rays for short intervals. The X-rays absorbed by body tissues are  identified by the scanner and transmitted to the computer.
Outcomes	It diagnoses active diseases of the bone.	Provides detailed information on bone tissue and bone structure. It also gives information about the injuries and diseases of the bone.
Safety	Generally, it is a safe procedure with occasional risks, including: Reaction to the dye Kidney failure Radiation exposure risk	Higher radiation exposure risk CT scan with contrast may result in anaphylaxis and reactions.
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive
Duration	30 minutes to one hour	A few minutes to half an hour

What to expect during a bone scan

You can expect the following procedure during a bone scan

• The procedure will be explained to you and your consent will be recorded.
• The physician will inject a radioactive substance into your vein.
• This substance collects in the bone over time.
• The radioactive substance then emits gamma rays that are picked up by a special camera.
• The signals are processed by a computer and turned into 2D (two-dimensional) or 3D (three-dimensional) pictures.
• A radiologist interprets the images and sends a report to your doctor.

What to expect during a CT scan

You can expect the following procedure during a CT scan

• You are secured to a scan table that slides into a large, round opening of the scanning machine. Pillows and straps may be used to prevent movement during the procedure.
• Once you are inside the machine, the scanner rotates around you. You will be exposed to X-rays for short intervals.
• The X-rays absorbed by body tissues are identified by the scanner and transmitted to the computer. The computer then converts the data into an image to be interpreted by a specialist.
• A CT scan may also be done after injecting a contrast dye to obtain better information.

QUESTION

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Medically Reviewed on 1/21/2021

References

Medscape Medical Reference

John Hopkins Medicine

American Cancer Society

Cancer Research UK

Mayo Clinic

What Does the Ct Stand for in Ct Scan

Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/difference_between_a_bone_scan_and_a_ct_scan/article.htm

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