CT Scans – All You Need to Know in 2025

The story of how CT scans came to be back in 1917 with the invention of the Radon transform. There is a significant mathematical component to how computerised topography or CT scans came to be, all you need to know is that a British engineer by the name of Godfrey Hounsfield alongside physicist Dr. Allan Cormack are credited with inventing the first commercially available CT scanner in 1972. Dr. Allan Cormack actually studied physics at Cape Town University!

What to expect going into a CT scan

Much like a Fluoroscopy, you might be given a contrast dye. Medical professionals use contrast material to highlight certain areas of your body. It can be administered orally by drinking it, injected directly into your veins by enema. In rare cases, some people have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. If you are concerned about this, speak to your physician.

During the scan you will lie on a table that slides into a large, donut-shaped machine. You will be positioned, and the scan will commence. The scanner rotates around you as it takes X-ray images from a variety of angles. The scan may take anywhere from a couple of minutes to half an hour. The technologist may also ask you to hold your breath for short periods to improve the image quality.

How CT scans work

Computerised topography scan machines use X-ray technology to create an incredibly detailed cross-section of your body which is used to diagnose injuries and diseases.

As opposed to the single, flat images we see in a conventional X-ray – CT scans are taken from different angles around your body and makes use of computer technology to generate detailed cross-sectional images. There is a small amount of ionising radiation that you will be exposed to when having a CT scan done. Research indicates that these low doses of radiation are harmless.

How to Prepare for a CT scan

The first thing you should know is that CT scans are considered a painless procedure. Depending on which area of your body needs to be scanned, you will most likely be asked to:

1. Remove your clothing and put a hospital gown on.
2. Take off certain metal objects such as glasses, belts, and jewellery as they can interfere with the scan.
3. Fast for a few hours leading up to your scan.
4. Notify your Doctor of any health conditions, implants, or hearing aids and pacemakers.

Common challenges when getting a CT scan

There are a number of challenges a patient may face when getting a CT scan, such as:

• Insurance coverage: CT scans er on the expensive side of medical treatments, make sure to check that your provider covers it.
• Claustrophobia: Getting a CT scan done involves sliding along a bed into an enclosed ‘donut’ machine which can cause anxiety and claustrophobia.
• Pregnancy: Even though the exposure is limited, a CT scan may be avoided for pregnant patients.
• Physical limitations: Extreme obesity or other mobility issues may make it difficult for the patient to get into or stay still within the scanner.
• Medical limitations: Some medical conditions such as kidney issues or a contrast dye allergy may limit a patient’s ability to get a CT scan.

What do CT scans detect?

Much like other tools that medical professionals make use of CT scans have a variety of applications. They are very-well suited towards conducting quick examinations of people who have internal injuries that are not easily diagnosed from the outside.

Car accident patients are a common example of someone who might undergo a CT scan. They can also be used ahead of surgical or radiation treatment to help prepare and diagnosis the condition. Your doctor may recommend a CT scan to help:

• Identify internal injuries such as in emergencies. CT scans can quickly reveal internal bleeding and other potential injuries.
• Diagnose conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and lung problems.
• Track treatment progress to monitor how well treatments such as cancer therapy are working.
• Spot bone and muscle problems such as fractures and bone tumours.
• Guide procedures including biopsies and radiation treatment.

What information do CT scans provide?

CT scans are the equivalent of a high-tech detective tool for medical professionals. The sectional images they provide allow physicians to see the unseen, pinpoint problems, guide procedures, diagnose a range of conditions, and track treatment progress.

They generate a combination of X-rays that computer technology uses to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of the body, such as blood vessels, bones, soft tissue, fat cells, and more.

Where you can get a CT scan in South Africa

A CT scan is an immensely valuable imaging tool and although it involves some radiation exposure, the benefits are unmatched. If you are looking for CT services of the highest standard, Dr Motshudi, Bergman, Ross Radiologists located in Krugersdorp are fully qualified and motivated to assist. Visit our CT scan page should you wish to book an appointment.