1. Health

CT (CAT) Scan - Definition of CT (CAT) Scan

From , former About.com Guide

Updated February 27, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

A CT scan (sometimes called a CAT scan) allows for a detailed image to be taken of the internal tissues of the body. CT is an abbreviation that stands for "computed tomography." In fact, a powerful computer works to put together the large amount of information obtained by this test into a detailed picture of the body.

CT scans use x-rays aimed from multiple, different points around the patient to obtain their images and, therefore, expose the patient to some radiation.

  1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Prostate Cancer
  4. Glossary
  5. CT Scan - CAT Scan - Definition of CT Scan - Definiton of CAT Scan

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.