Difference between Ultrasound and CT-Scan
Difference between Ultrasound and CT-Scan
As medical field has achieved major innovation, imaging technologies are used to take image of inner aspect of body e.g. body organs. This technology proved to be beneficial for determining details of human body organs which are covered by skin, muscles and fat cells. This imaging process not only provided medical specialists with anatomical images of normal structures but also served both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These techniques include X-ray, CT-Scan, Ultrasound, MRI, and SPECT. All of these processes are pain free and easy to perform. As with every other technology, these techniques have some pros and cons. Their use depends upon the ratio of advantages and disadvantages. A doctor asks for these investigations only if the advantages outweigh harmful effects.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound technique is also called ‘sonography’. It enables the doctors to observe the anatomy of internal organs, any gross pathology or disturbance in blood flow through the vessels and source of various ailments. The procedure involves placement of a probe, which is also called transducer, over the area which is to be examined. Gel applied over the relevant area allows the waves to be transmitted easily to deep structures. The process has following steps;
- Production of sonographic waves
- Receive echo of the waves
- Formation of image over the monitor.
CT-Scan
Its full form is computerized tomography. This technique is very much similar to x-rays but it produces various images of an organ. A three dimensional image can be taken by the help of this technology. The images obtained can be saved for further evaluation. It specifically provides greater details of soft tissues and blood vessels. During the process, patient is made to lie on a table which gradually passes through scan machine.
Ultrasound Vs CT-Scan
Indications:
Ultrasound is indicated in obstetrics, gynecological diseases, gallbladder pathologies, breast swellings, thyroid gland abnormalities and pelvic organ diseases.
CT-Scan is used for evaluation of patient with injuries, abdominal and pelvic swellings undiagnosed on ultrasound, injuries and diagnosis of spinal column, swelling of any region suspicious of a tumor.
Radiation exposure:
Ultrasound has got un-ionized radiations so it is pretty harmless.
CT-Scan has ionized radiations and is harmful.
Time consumption:
Ultrasound takes around 15 minutes.
CT scan is completed in 5 minutes.
Rays:
Ultrasound has sound waves.
CT has X-rays.
Cost:
Ultrasound is not expensive.
CT scan is very expensive.
Availability:
Ultrasound is available everywhere.
CT scan is not easily available everywhere.
Image:
Ultrasound produces two-dimensional images.
CT scan produces three dimensional various images.
Contraindications:
Ultrasound has got no clear cut contraindication.
CT scan cannot be performed in Pregnancy.
Machinery:
Ultrasound has mobile machinery.
CT scan machinery is stationary.
Risks:
Ultrasound has got no side effects.
CT scan has got hazardous radiations.
Conclusion
Ultrasound and CT scan fall under the category of modern imaging techniques. They both provide minute details of human body with great accuracy. Indications of both the procedures differ however a CT may follow ultrasound in some diseases. Despite of their few disadvantages, they have provided mankind with diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
When you break your wrist, the doctors will take a few X-rays from different angles. This helps them see the whole picture and maybe find another break that they couldn’t from the first angle. Based on what I’ve read about CT scans here, I think that is part of the goal of a CT scan. The difference is that CT scans can look at your organs, not just bones.