What is the difference between a CAT scan and a CT scan? Are they the same procedure? Get the answers to these questions and more.

Understanding CAT Scans and CT Scans

Medicine is a field filled with numerous acronyms, and two that can be confusing are CAT scan and CT scan. While they may initially seem like different types of diagnostic tests, they actually refer to the same X-ray procedure. CAT stands for “computed axial tomography,” while CT is short for “computed tomography.” The term CAT scan was the first to be used, but CT scan has become more common in recent years. Despite the different names, these two procedures are essentially the same.

What is a CT Scan Used For?

A CT scan uses an X-ray tube that travels 360 degrees around the body to gather information from multiple angles and create cross-sectional images. Doctors order CT scans for a variety of reasons, including:

• Examining bone and joint problems, such as complex fractures and tumors
• Detecting masses and spots associated with conditions like heart disease, cancer, and emphysema
• Locating clots, tumors, infections, or fluid buildup
• Checking for internal injuries and bleeding following a traumatic event
• Providing information to prepare for a surgery, biopsy, or other procedure
• Comparing images over time to gauge the effectiveness of a treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation to shrink a tumor

How Does a CT Scan Work?

In some cases, a CT scan “with contrast” is required, where a special dye called contrast material is administered through a catheter inserted into the patient’s arm. This dye helps create a crisper image of tissues and organs that are less dense than bone, making it the preferred approach over other imaging techniques in certain situations, such as when assessing conditions affecting the vertebrae and other bones.

It’s important to note that there are some instances when a CT scan may not be advisable, such as during pregnancy or for patients above a certain weight limit.

The CT Scan Procedure

A CT scan is a completely painless procedure, aside from the poke required to administer contrast material if needed. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes and involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: Patients may be instructed not to eat or drink for several hours prior to the exam, and they may need to drink a contrast medium or have it administered intravenously.
2. Exam: A certified technologist helps position the patient on the scan table, which then moves into the machine. The patient may receive instructions, such as holding their breath for a short time, from the technologist who observes the entire test and communicates through two-way microphones.
3. Side effects: Depending on the type of exam, the patient may experience a metallic taste in their mouth (if contrast dye is used), fatigue, headache, weakness, or constipation.
4. Follow-up: After the exam, a radiologist reviews the images and sends a report to the patient’s physician, who will discuss the results at the next appointment.

Getting a CT Scan at Baptist Health

Baptist Health offers a range of CT scan services, providing patients with critically important information about their health and condition. To learn more about the CT scan options available and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, visit the Baptist Health website.

Key Takeaways

CAT scan and CT scan are the same diagnostic procedure, with the former being the initial term used and the latter becoming more common in recent years. CT scans use X-ray technology to create detailed images of the body, helping doctors diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. While the procedure is generally painless, it’s important to follow any pre-scan instructions, such as fasting or contrast dye administration. By understanding the purpose and process of a CT scan, patients can feel more prepared and confident when undergoing this valuable imaging test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a CAT scan and a CT scan? A CAT scan and a CT scan are the same diagnostic procedure. CAT stands for “computed axial tomography,” while CT stands for “computed tomography.” The terms are used interchangeably, with CT scan becoming more common in recent years.

Are CAT scans and CT scans the same thing? Yes, CAT scans and CT scans are the same imaging procedure. They both use X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, helping doctors diagnose and monitor various medical conditions.

What is a CT scan used for? Doctors order CT scans for a variety of reasons, including examining bone and joint problems, detecting masses and spots associated with conditions like cancer and heart disease, locating clots or fluid buildup, checking for internal injuries, and providing information to prepare for medical procedures.

Is a CT scan painful? No, a CT scan is generally a completely painless procedure, aside from the poke required to administer contrast material if needed. The only potential discomfort may come from the feeling of being enclosed in the CT scan machine, but this is temporary.

CAT Scan vs. CT Scan: Are They the Same Procedure?

CAT Scan vs. CT Scan:

What’s the Difference?

Medicine is a field with countless acronyms. Two that can be confusing are CAT scan and CT scan. Sometimes thought to be different types of diagnostic tests, they actually refer to the same X-ray procedure. CAT stands for “computed axial tomography” and CT is simply “computed tomography.” CAT scan was the first of the two terms to be used; CT scan has become more common in recent years. These two procedures are the same, though.

What is a CT Scan For?

A CT scan produces images using an X-ray tube that travels 360 degrees around your body. As it moves, it gathers information from multiple angles to create cross-sectional images.

Doctors order CT scans for a number of reasons, including to:

• Look for bone and joint problems such as complex fractures and tumors
• Detect masses and spots associated with conditions like heart disease, cancer and emphysema
• Locate clots, tumors, infection or fluid buildup
• Check for internal injuries and bleeding following a traumatic event like a car accident
• Provide information in preparation for a surgery, biopsy or other procedure
• Compare images taken over a period of time to gauge the effectiveness of a treatment such as the chemotherapy or radiation used to shrink a tumor

In some cases, what’s called a CT scan “with contrast” is needed. With this procedure, the technician performing the procedure inserts a catheter into one of your arms in order to administer a special dye called contrast material. This dye makes it easier for the scan to create a crisp image of tissues and organs that are less dense than bone and therefore may not show up as clearly.

The detail in a CT scan with contrast may make it the preferred approach over other imaging techniques in some instances. For example, a CT scan can provide better information on the bones of the spine than either a standard X-ray or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, which is helpful when assessing conditions that affect the vertebrae and other bones.

There are some instances when a CT scan isn’t advisable. If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should tell your doctor. There is also a weight limit for receiving a CT scan.

A CT Scan is a Pain-Free Procedure That Produces Crucial Images

Other than the poke if contrast material is needed, a CT scan is completely painless and provides your care team with critically important information on your condition. For many patients, the only unpleasant aspect of the scan is the feeling of being enclosed in the CT scan machine. However, that temporary discomfort is worth the valuable information the procedure produces.

At Baptist Health, the procedure takes place as follows:

• Preparation. How you prepare for your CT scan will depend on the type of scan performed. If your abdomen/pelvis, chest or head is being scanned with contrast, you may be instructed not to eat or drink for several hours prior to your exam. You may also have to drink a contrast medium or have it administered intravenously. If you’re having a head scan with no contrast, you can eat up until the time of the exam, and no liquid or intravenous contrast medium is required.
• Exam. A CT scan typically takes 15-30 minutes. A certified technologist helps you get positioned on the scan table, which is then moved into the machine. You’ll hear humming as the machine works and the table may move as different images are captured. You may also receive instructions, such as holding your breath for a short time, from the technologist, who observes the entire test and communicates with you through two-way microphones.
• Side effects. Depending on the type of exam, afterward, you may experience a metallic taste in your mouth (if contrast dye is used), fatigue, headache, weakness or constipation.
• Follow-up. After your exam, a radiologist (a doctor that specializes in imaging) reviews the images and sends a report to your physician who will discuss it with you at your next appointment.

Get a CT Scan at Baptist Health

Learn more about CT scans available from Baptist Health, along with pre-and post-exam expectations.

Learn More.

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• CAT Scan
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• Diagnostics
• Imaging
• Medical Imaging

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CT scan or CAT scan: How does it work?

A computerized tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan combines data from several X-rays to produce a detailed image of structures inside the body.

CT scans produce 2-dimensional images of a “slice” or section of the body, but the data can also be used to construct 3-dimensional images. A CT scan can be compared to looking at one slice of bread within a whole loaf.

CT scans are used in hospitals worldwide.

A CT scanner emits a series of narrow beams through the human body as it moves through an arc.

This is different from an X-ray machine, which sends just one radiation beam. The CT scan produces a more detailed final picture than an X-ray image.

The CT scanner’s X-ray detector can see hundreds of different levels of density. It can see tissues within a solid organ.

This data is transmitted to a computer, which builds up a 3-D cross-sectional picture of the part of the body and displays it on the screen.

Sometimes, a contrast dye is used because it can help show certain structures more clearly.

For instance, if a 3-D image of the abdomen is required, the patient may have to drink a barium meal. The barium appears white on the scan as it travels through the digestive system.

If images lower down the body are required, such as the rectum, the patient may be given a barium enema. If blood vessel images are the target, a contrast agent will be injected into the veins.

The accuracy and speed of CT scans may be improved with the application of spiral CT, a relatively new technology. The beam takes a spiral path during the scanning, so it gathers continuous data with no gaps between images.

CT is a useful tool for assisting diagnosis in medicine, but it is a source of ionizing radiation, and it can potentially cause cancer.

The National Cancer Institute advise patients to discuss the risks and benefits of CT scans with their doctors.

Share on PinterestA CT scan can detect abnormalities in the soft tissue.

It is useful for obtaining images of:

• soft tissues
• the pelvis
• blood vessels
• lungs
• brain
• abdomen
• bones

CT is often the preferred way of diagnosing many cancers, such as liver, lung, and pancreatic cancers.

The image allows a doctor to confirm the presence and location of a tumor, its size, and how much it has affected nearby tissue.

A scan of the head can provide important information about the brain, for instance, if there is any bleeding, swelling of the arteries, or a tumor.

A CT scan can reveal a tumor in the abdomen, and any swelling or inflammation in nearby internal organs. It can show any lacerations of the spleen, kidneys, or liver.

As a CT scan detects abnormal tissue, it is useful for planning areas for radiotherapy and biopsies, and it can provide valuable data on blood flow and other vascular conditions.

It can help a doctor assess bone diseases, bone density, and the state of the patient’s spine.

It can also provide vital data about injuries to a patient’s hands, feet, and other skeletal structures. Even small bones are clearly visible, as well as their surrounding tissue.

CT versus MRI

The main differences between CT and MRI are:

• A CT scan uses X-rays, but an MRI uses magnets and radio waves.
• Unlike an MRI, a CT scan does not show tendons and ligaments.
• MRI is better for examining the spinal cord.
• A CT scan is better suited to cancer, pneumonia, abnormal chest x-rays, bleeding in the brain, especially after an injury.
• A brain tumor is more clearly visible on MRI.
• A CT scan shows organ tear and organ injury more quickly, so it may be more suitable for trauma cases.
• Broken bones and vertebrae are more clearly visible on a CT scan.
• CT scans provide a better image of the lungs and organs in the chest cavity between the lungs.

The patient may need to abstain from food, and possibly drink, for a specific period before the scan.

On the day

In most places, the patient will need to undress, usually down to their underwear, and put on a gown that the health center will provide. Avoid wearing jewelry.

If the hospital does not provide a gown, the patient should wear loose-fitting clothes free of metal buttons and zippers.

Some patients may have to drink a contrast dye, or the dye may be given as an enema, or injected.This improves the picture of some blood vessels or tissues.

Any patient who has an allergy to contrast material should tell the doctor beforehand. Some medications can reduce allergic reactions to contrast materials.

As metal interferes with the workings of the CT scanner, the patient will need to remove all jewelry and metal fastenings.

During the scan

The patient will need to lie down on a motorized examination table that slides into a doughnut-shaped CT scanner machine.

In most cases, the patient will lie on their back, facing up. But, sometimes, they may need to lie facedown or sideways.

After one x-ray picture, the couch will move slightly, and then the machine will take another image, and so on. The patient needs to lie very still for the best results.

During the scan, everybody except for the patient will leave the room. An intercom will enable two-way communication between the radiographer and the patient.

If the patient is a child, a parent or adult might be allowed to stand or sit nearby, but they will have to wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure.

Share on PinterestThe doctor should explain why the scan is needed, any other options available, and the pros and cons of having a CT scan.

A CT scan involves a small, targeted dose of radiation.

These levels of radiation, even in people who have undergone several scans, has not proven to be harmful.

The chance of developing cancer as the result of a CT scan is thought to be less than 1 in 2,000.

The amount of radiation involved is estimated to be around the same as a person would be exposed to in a space of between several months and several years of natural exposure in the environment.

A scan is only given if there is a clear medical reason to do so. The results can lead to treatment for conditions that could otherwise be serious. When the decision is taken to perform a scan, doctors will ensure that the benefits outweigh any risk.

Problems that could possibly arise from radiation exposure include cancer and thyroid issues.

This is extremely unlikely in adults, and also unlikely in children. However, are more susceptible to the effects of radiation. This does not mean that health issues will result, but any CT scans should be noted on the child’s medical record.

In some cases, only a CT scan can show the required results. For some conditions, an ultrasound or MRI might be possible.

Can I have a CT scan if I am pregnant?

Any woman who suspects she may be pregnant should tell her doctor beforehand, because there is a risk that the x-rays could harm the fetus.

Citing the American College of Radiography, the American Pregnancy Association (APA) point out that “No single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus. ”

However, the APA notes that CT scans are not recommended for pregnant women, “Unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risk.”

CT scans and breastfeeding

If a lactating, or breastfeeding, mother needs an iodinated intravenous dye for contrast, she should avoid breastfeeding for about 24 hours as may pass into the breast milk.

I have claustrophobia: Can I have a CT scan?

A patient who has claustrophobia should tell their doctor or radiographer beforehand. The patient may be given an injection or tablet to calm them down before the scan.

Your health care provider will usually be able to recommend a suitable facility for a scan. You can check if a radiologist is accredited by searching on the website of the American College of Radiology.

‎Cat Scanner

on the App Store

Description

See a cat but don’t know its breed? Just take a picture and find out!

The Cat Scanner app reliably identifies your cat’s breed in just a few seconds! Apart from taking a photo, you can also record a video or upload an image from your gallery.

Are you a mixed breed?

No problem, the Cat Scanner app also recognizes mixed breeds! We will provide you with detailed data and interesting facts about the different breeds of your mixed breed cats.

Is there a cat nearby?

It doesn’t matter! The Cat Scanner app also recognizes people: Simply scan yourself, friends, family or those around you and find out which cat you like best!

——

NEW! Be part of our cat scanner community!

Share your results and compare with the community! Upload photos of your favorite cat to our Social Feed and share them with other cat lovers! Browse profiles and photos of other users, comment on our feline community posts and filter them by date or popularity!

In addition, you can easily share your messages with your friends by simply sending a photo directly from the Cat Scanner app.

——

Catch all cat breeds and become an expert!

Capture cats of all breeds with our Gamification feature, just like in Pokémon Go! Master the challenges, earn virtual treats and become a true cat expert! Compete against friends or users from the community and climb to the top of our rankings!

All cat breeds in the Cat Scanner app!

The Cat Scanner app currently recognizes about 60 different cat breeds, including all breeds officially recognized by the FIFe (International Federation) and even more! Our extensive database of information and photos of all cat breeds (including unofficial ones) is also available completely unscanned!

Give us your feedback on the Cat Scanner app!

Let us know if the cat’s breed has been correctly identified. If not, you will receive useful tips to improve your own results. If you also indicate what breed of cat is in the picture, you will help us improve our software as the app automatically learns how to provide even more accurate results. Also suggest or vote for (unofficial) cat breeds you want us to add to the app in the future!

Get your premium upgrade!

With our premium version, the app will no longer show ads and your results will be available faster. What’s more, you can now choose whether your cat breeds should be recognized quickly enough or with greater accuracy. With the premium version, scanning cats is also possible offline, so you no longer need an active internet connection to identify their breeds. By purchasing our premium version as an option, you will also help support this app.

——

Find us on social networks!

On our social media channels, we bring you the most beautiful community cat pictures. You will also find many interesting facts about your favorite pet. Also, we will keep you updated on all the new added features of the Cat Scanner app in the future.

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catscanner_app
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatScanner
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/catscanner_app

——

Just try it!

Finding a cat is as easy as getting one! Despite the small size of the application, you will get all the features and be able to determine the breed of a cat or access our extensive database at any time! Before considering an expensive DNA test, simply scan your cat with the app and the cat breed will be automatically determined within seconds! Download the Cat Scanner app now!

Terms of Service:
https://scanner.siwalusoftware.com/terms-of-service

Mar 1 2023

Version 9.8.8

Bug fixes and improvements.

Ratings and reviews

ratings: 285

👍👍

The app accurately identified the breeds of my cats))👍👍👍👍

Does not recognize a cat correctly, even an ordinary one

He writes that Scottish cats are not an official breed and therefore he cannot recognize whether the Scots have not been an official breed for a long time ?! In 2004 it was registered, what’s the problem?! With an ordinary cat the same story …….

👎🏻

Does not scan, a window with a paid subscription opens immediately

The developer of Siwalu Software GmbH has indicated that, in accordance with the application’s privacy policy, data may be processed as described below. Detailed information is available in the developer’s privacy policy.

Data used for tracking information

The following data may be used to track user information on apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Contact details

• Identifiers

• Usage Data

Related
with user data

The following data may be collected that is related to the user’s identity:

• Contact details

• User Content

• Search history

• Identifiers

• Usage Data

• Diagnostics

Unrelated
with user data

The following data may be collected, which is not related to the user’s identity:

Sensitive data may be used differently depending on your age, features involved, or other factors. Read more

Information

Provider

Siwalu Software GmbH

Size

162.4 MB

Category

Education

Age

4+

Copyright

© 2023 Siwalu Software GmbH

Price

Free

• Developer site

• Application Support

• Privacy Policy

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Chipping of dogs and cats in the Averia veterinary clinic

Chipping of animals is a procedure for inserting a microchip with an individual number under the skin of a pet in order to identify it.

A microchip is a microchip placed in a special biological shell that is compatible with living tissues of the body and has its own identification number. This number is in the database, and you can use it to get all the necessary information, both about the animal itself and about its owner: the name of the pet, its breed, color, gender, age, owner’s name, phone number, address and other information.

All chips are standard and small in size, as long as two grains of rice, so the animal does not feel the presence of the chip in its body in any way. For a pet, this procedure is absolutely safe, since the capsule in which the microchip is placed is made from an innovative material used in transplantation, which completely eliminates the possibility of decomposition and rejection by the body.

Why microchipping is needed

Animal microchipping is becoming more and more popular, and in some situations even necessary. And this applies to both purebred cats and dogs, and very dear to the heart of animals without a breed. By the way, all dogs and cats, as well as exotic animals, are microchipped abroad.

This procedure is relevant in the following situations:

Loss of a pet

If your four-legged friend gets lost or runs away, the person who finds him can bring your pet to a clinic or shelter for examination. After scanning, you can quickly find the contacts of the owner of the animal in the database in order to return it. If a pet is found, the veterinarian will definitely examine it for the presence of a chip.

Traveling abroad

If you have to transport your pet across the border, then this procedure is indispensable, since microchipping is a prerequisite, and without it, a permit for the export of the animal is not issued.

Participation in exhibitions

If your pet participates in international exhibitions of thoroughbred animals, microchipping is also a must. This will protect him from any substitution and scandal. And the chipping will help the owner of the animal to navigate the genetic classification and diversity of this species.

An animal can detect a chip in one of two ways: either by swiping it with a special device – a scanner, or by taking a picture on an X-ray contrast study.

How the chip is inserted

The microchip is implanted using a large syringe and a very large diameter needle. The chip is inserted under the skin, usually in the area between the shoulder blades. This place is the most convenient, since it is practically inaccessible to the animal itself, the chip here does not interfere with movement and wearing the collar.

The whole process of inserting a microchip and filling in the relevant documents takes no more than 10-15 minutes.

To begin with, we check the animal for the presence of a chip with a special scanner, and if the chip is not found, then after treating the injection site with an antiseptic, we insert a needle with a microchip. The procedure itself is not particularly painful and takes place without anesthesia, but, of course, all pets react differently to it. If the animal is calm, does not twitch and endures, then in time the whole process takes about 5 minutes. If it is very emotional, active, mobile, with increased excitability, then it must be fixed before chipping. In this case, the time will increase accordingly from 10 to 15 minutes.

Owners of animals that have undergone a microchipping procedure need to be careful, as in the first days after the manipulation there is a small chance that the chip may fall out if the wound is not covered with a blood clot or the tissue itself. Sometimes a pet just needs to move a little to move the skin, at which point the chip may fall out. However, there is no need to worry much about this, since after implantation, the chip is quickly covered with connective tissue and, thus, is securely fixed in the subcutaneous layer, which excludes any displacement.

After the insertion, we make sure to re-scan the scanner to make sure that the chip remains under the skin of the animal. Pet owners can also come to the clinic a couple of days after the microchip is installed and once again make sure that it is located correctly.

When can microchipping be performed?

According to European standards, small kittens and puppies must first be microchipped, identified, and then vaccinated. This refers to vaccination against rabies. It is on it that attention is paid when importing / exporting animals. In EU countries and other countries where microchipping is required for all animals, animal identification (scanning) is carried out at each visit to the clinic to make sure that it is he. Thus, you can and should be microchipped before the first vaccination, at 2 months.

In our clinic, as well as throughout Russia, where a chip is not required, in cases where the owners just want to be microchipped, without the purpose of leaving, they are first vaccinated and then microchipped. In this case, it is better to first undergo a routine vaccination, protect the animal from viruses, wait for quarantine, and then do the chipping. Rabies vaccinations begin at the age of three months, after which one more month of quarantine must pass.