CT (Computed Tomography)

Computed Tomography (also called CT, CT scan or CAT scan) is an X-ray based medical imaging technique that produces more detailed images of your internal organs than conventional X-ray tests. It is used to obtain internal images of your body noninvasively to help your doctor arrive at an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

Using CT, your doctor can distinguish between adjacent tissues of similar composition that are indistinct on conventional X-ray images. For example, a plain X-ray of your abdomen will show bones and at best subtle outlines of the liver, stomach, intestines, kidney and spleen. But a CT scan reveals with clarity and precision not only these structures but also the pancreas, adrenal glands, ureters and blood vessels. It is used to detect abnormalities within the bones or muscles, diseases or cancer within the chest and abdominal organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys, and more. 

There is little reason to worry about the small amount of radiation you will be exposed to when you receive an CT scan. However, if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be, you should tell your physician or our technologist before the test is performed as special precautions may have to be taken.

Preventive health screenings

In addition to diagnosing various health conditions, CT is also used for preventive health. Just like a mammogram is used to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, CT can detect heart disease, lung cancer and colon cancer before it becomes life-threatening.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of heart attacks.^1,2 It occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, potentially restricting blood flow to the heart. This buildup can result in chest pain or even lead to a heart attack. Most people who suffer a heart attack don’t have prior symptoms and are considered low risk by traditional measures.^3,4 A heart attack shouldn’t be the first sign of heart disease. CCTA + Heartflow Analysis offers a more comprehensive⁵ view of your heart’s health, allowing more informed decision making for you and your physician.^6,7 Radiology Associates of Ridgewood is advancing the assessment of your heart health with Heartflow Analysis. Using images from a non-invasive heart scan, also known as a coronary CTA, this AI-enabled heart test provides a personalized 3D model of your coronary arteries that shows how disease may be impacting blood flow to your heart, as well as identifying the amount, location, and type of plaque present. This detailed information helps you and your doctor better understand the severity of your disease and determine a personalized treatment plan.^6,7

• Non-Invasive: Heartflow Analysis is a technology that uses images from your heart scan, so no invasive tests or anesthesia are needed.
• Accurate: Heartflow Analysis has demonstrated superior accuracy in diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease^7,8 and is clinically proven to align with results from more invasive tests.⁹
• Personalized: Heartflow builds a personalized, 3D model of your arteries, using images already taken during your heart scan.
• Guides Treatment Decisions: Heartflow Analysis identifies how much and what type of plaque is present in your arteries and measures any blockages that could be limiting blood flow to your heart, providing information to help guide your personalized treatment plan.^6,7
• Comprehensive: Heartflow Analysis can go beyond calcium scoring by identifying higher risk plaques that are most likely to cause a cardiac event.⁵

Low-dose lung CT (lung disease screening)

If you’re a current or former smoker, or have other risk factors for lung cancer, a low-dose lung CT screening may be right for you. It is a completely non-invasive test, and more effective than X-ray at detecting smaller, earlier stage cancers.

In many cases, LDCT screening is covered by insurance. Please ask your insurance company if your plan covers you. If not, it is offered as a cash payment option at RAR.

With most CT exams, no special preparation is required. In advance of your exam, please inform your radiologist or technologist if you:

• Have had a previous adverse reaction to iodine contrast injection
• Have renal disease
• Are over 65
• Have asthma and use an inhaler two or more times per day
• Are diabetic and taking glucaphage