Sponsored by Avante Health Solutions
Computed tomography (CT), colloquially known as “catscan” or CT, has emerged as a technological marvel within the medical domain since its inception in the 1970s.
Over the years, significant advancements in technology have revolutionized the diagnostic capabilities of this imaging modality, making it both more efficient and safer for patients. According to a 2007 estimate, the number of CT scans performed annually in the United States alone had skyrocketed to 62 million, a stark contrast to the mere 3 million scans conducted in 1980. It is evident that this remarkable modality has evolved into the apex of diagnostic imaging. Let us now explore some of the advantages CT has ushered into the field, alongside highlighting its key features, and offer valuable service tips.
Medical Benefits
Before the invention of CT, physicians encountered substantial challenges in accurately diagnosing patients with injuries, major trauma, cancer, stroke, and other cardiac conditions because of the limited technological capabilities of available systems. However, since its introduction, CT has brought about a revolutionary transformation in medical diagnostics. Since its inception in the 1970s, CT has significantly reduced the necessity for emergency surgeries, dropping the rate from 13% to 5%, while also prompting the retirement of less efficient diagnostic imaging practices. Furthermore, CT machines offer enhanced efficiency, as diagnostic scans can now be completed in mere minutes, leading to swift and precise diagnoses, while minimizing the exposure of patients to ionizing radiation, thereby obviating the need for further scans. This widespread adoption of CT has facilitated convenient access to medical services for patients nationwide, ensuring quicker fulfillment of their medical needs compared to previous methods. Additionally, applications such as CT urography, CT angiography and CT colonography have experienced a surge in clinical utility owing to the shorter scan times and superior spatial resolution offered by CT technology.
Ionizing Radiation Safety Concerns
When it comes to procedures involving radiation, such as CT scans, there is a genuine concern regarding potential health risks, including the development of cancer and neoplasia, in patients exposed to excessive ionizing radiation. To address this concern, imaging technicians implement various measures aimed at mitigating the risk of unnecessary radiation exposure to patients. One widely adopted protocol nationwide is ALARA, which stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” The primary objective of ALARA is to prioritize patient safety by minimizing radiation dose rates.
ALARA dictates that any dose, whether small or large, should be avoided if it does not directly contribute to the patient’s diagnostic benefit. This protocol empowers technicians to attain optimal clinical results from scans while simultaneously reducing radiation exposure to patients. ALARA emphasizes three key factors: time, distance, and shielding. Technicians ensure that exposure time is minimized, maintain a safe distance from radiation sources, and utilize appropriate shielding to protect patients from unnecessary radiation.
Furthermore, quality assurance testing involves the use of Head and Body CTDI phantoms to optimize radiation exposure during specific scanning techniques, ensuring that radiation doses are kept within safe limits. Additionally, CT employs techniques such as collimation and cone-beam scanners to limit scatter radiation, further enhancing patient safety during imaging procedures. These meticulous measures collectively contribute to the overarching goal of minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy in CT imaging.
Basic Troubleshooting Tips
While most troubleshooting tasks typically require the expertise of trained engineers, there are certain steps users can take to address system issues and restore functionality. Surprisingly, many CT systems across the country operate on familiar Windows and Linux operating systems, like those found on personal computers. However, like any computer system, CT machines can experience occasional malfunctions. One of the simplest remedies for common issues such as bootup problems or errors on the console monitor is to initiate a system reboot. This straightforward solution is effective precisely because of its simplicity.
Overheating is a common issue in CT systems because of the fast-moving internal components and continuous radiation emission. Proper airflow, facilitated by functional air conditioning, is crucial to prevent overheating, especially in regions with extreme temperatures like Texas. Consistent airflow around the gantry helps prevent overheating errors, ensuring continuous system operation. Thus, proactive measures to maintain adequate ventilation and temperature control are essential to prevent downtime.
Conclusion
The advancement of medical technology has been propelled by numerous inventions, each contributing uniquely to patient care. Among these, CT stands out prominently, deserving at least a podium finish in terms of its impact. With its ability to reduce the need for emergency surgeries and enhance accessibility to patients nationwide, CT has truly transformed patient care. As part of a team dedicated to maintaining these machines in optimal condition, I take pride in ensuring that CT scans are conducted safely and efficiently. This commitment ensures that individuals undergoing scans can have full confidence in the reliability and effectiveness of CT technology.
For more information about Avante’s diagnostic imaging service capabilities, call one of our experts at 800-979-6742 or visit avantehs.com.
Harlan Gibbons is Field Service Engineer servicing the Midwest region for Avante Health Solutions, with over 7 years of experience servicing diagnostic imaging systems.
