CT Scans at University of Colorado Hospital

What is a CT Scan?

A CT scan, sometimes called a CAT scan, uses x-rays to take small image “slices” from different angles around the body. These smaller image slices of body tissue help reveal more details than standard x-rays. CT images are particularly useful because they can show several different kinds of the body’s tissue:

How is a CT Scan used?

CT images are used to detect, diagnose and monitor problems in many different parts of the body:

Abdomen and Pelvis – used to help diagnose the cause of abdominal pain and diseases of the bowel and colon

Angiography CT – is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body. An angiography may be used to help find potential blockages early, determine extent of damage from blockage or guide procedures. Perfusion

Chest CT – is one of the best tools for studying the chest. It may be used to help detect lung cancer or tumors and monitor the progression of disease or effectiveness of treatment.

Head CT – provides detailed information on head injuries, stroke, brain tumors and other brain diseases

Heart CT for Calcium Scoring – may show potential blockages in the arteries. It may be used to detect coronary artery disease (CAD) at an early stage when there are no symptoms and to determine its severity.

Sinuses CT – is used to evaluate sinuses, detect inflammatory disease and diagnose sinusitis

Spine CT – the bony structure of the spinal vertebrae is clearly and accurately shown by CT scanning, as are the intervertebral disks and, to some degree, the spinal cord. CT is used to evaluate the spine to diagnose spinal pain, detect and evaluate damage, and monitor effectiveness of treatments and surgery.

CT Colonography CT – (“virtual colonoscopy”) is used to view the inside of the large intestine to screen for polyps. The goal is to find them early before they develop into cancer.

Patient Education

Preparing for your CT Test

  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers or snaps.
  • Remove anything that might interfere with the CT scan pictures such as eyeglasses, earrings, necklaces, or hairpins.
  • You will be asked questions about allergies, if you could be pregnant, what medical problems you have and medicines you take. Caregivers may also need to know if you have ever had a reaction to x-ray dye. These questions help caregivers decide if it is OK for you to have a CT scan. X-rays can hurt an unborn baby so be sure to tell caregivers if you might be pregnant.

Location of CT Scans at University of Colorado Hospital

University of Colorado Hospital
Anschutz Medical Campus
Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion (AOP), 1st Floor
Suite 1300
1635 North Ursula Street
Aurora, CO 80010

To make an appointment call (720) 848-1200

Your Medical Team for CT Scansat University of Colorado Hospital

CT Scan Specialists

Radiologist – a doctor that specializes in performing and interpreting tests that use radiation technology to diagnose and treat diseases.

Radiologic Technologists – work under the direction of a Radiologist to perform diagnostic test using radiation technology

Radiologic Technologist Assistants

Nurses