Faced with a complex abbreviation, the patient often asks the doctor a question about what it is - RCT? Decoding in medicine using professional terminology is presented too complicated. This is actually an informative X-ray diagnostic method with more advanced technology. With it, you can get a three-dimensional image of the organ and the appearance of a millimeter section of tissue in good quality. This is the simplest explanation of what is RKT.
In which cases it is advisable to use RKT
Before you get acquainted in more detail with the question of what is RKT, you need to understand that in some cases the benefits of its use significantly exceed the harm. The speed of obtaining information allows you to quickly establish a diagnosis and save a life when there is no time for lengthy laboratory research.
Through the instrumental method identify:
- Pathologies of the peritoneal organs, hypertrophy of the lymph nodes, inflammatory foci, proliferation of neoplasms. In a short time, the computer will process the information and determine the extent of the problem, the location.
- Bleeding in the liver, tumors, cysts, dystrophic phenomena, the factor that provoked the formation of jaundice.
- Evaluation of tissue density by conducting brain CT scan, which reveals aneurysms, tumors, predisposition and consequences of stroke.
- Diseases of the chest organs (pneumonia, oncological diseases, vital processes of the Koch bacillus), the state of blood flow, heart muscle, it is possible to detect esophageal stenosis, destructive changes in the thoracic spine. Pulmonary CT shows any abnormalities in the alveoli, which allows you to stop the processes in the initial stages.
- Changes in the spine, hernias, cracks, fractures, foci of infection. Diseases of bones, joints, muscle fibers of limbs are determined.
- Assess the condition of the kidneys and ureters. The device detects stones, neoplasms, anomalies of congenital nature.
- Bowel disease is used as a control method to prevent oncology after 50 years.
- Changes of a pathological nature in the reproductive organs.
It is worth noting that initially doctors resorted to simpler and safer diagnostic methods. If you can determine the cause of the manifestation of symptoms, you can use laboratory research methods or other instrumental methods, then they are used. In order to clarify the result, there may be an indication of the RCT diagnosis.
The doctor may prescribe a CT scan if necessary:
- conduct a screening test (chronic diseases, suspected oncology);
- urgently diagnose the cause of seizures and bleeding, see a clear picture of the consequences of injuries;
- additional examination due to lack of information previously conducted;
- to clarify the location of the pathological focus before surgery.
The method is quite expensive, the attending physician prescribes it only when there is no way to get around.
Diagnostic Method Benefits
Compared to radiography, CT scan wins. The main advantages of the modern method are:
- the ability to expand is 20 times greater than the capabilities of x-rays;
- lack of blurry image;
- getting pictures in three dimensions.
The similarity to x-rays is that both are sources of radiation. The average dose of radiation is 2-11 m3v (the indicator may vary for various reasons).
Preparing the patient for examination
If the doctor prescribes an X-ray computed tomography examination of the skull, brain, nose, temples, neck, thyroid gland, larynx, sternum, spinal column, scapular bones, large articular surfaces - there is no need for preparation. But to study the topic and understand what it is - an RKT study is definitely worth it.
CT of the peritoneal organs without contrast is done on an empty stomach. If the study is carried out using intravenous injection of contrast, then they first get acquainted with the patient’s allergic history, determine the absence of contraindications to the components of the administered substance. An RCT with an amplifier is performed on an empty stomach. In addition to the daily norm of water consumed, you should drink up to two liters of liquid a day before the procedure.
PKT colonography requires bowel cleansing. If coronary angiography is planned, do not do without monitoring the following indicators:
- contraction of the heart in a calm state - 65 beats / min .;
- lack of heart rhythm disturbances;
- ability to hold breath for 25 sec.
When examining the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, the study is performed on an empty stomach. The day before the procedure, raw vegetables, fruits, juices, water with gases, black bread and milk should be discarded. Enzyme preparations and antioxidants are not accepted.
How is the procedure
Knowing all the pros and cons of the research method , what is CT and how it is possible to obtain an image in several projections, the whole world continues to use a medical instrumental approach to diagnose serious pathologies.
X-rays, penetrating into the tissues, are reflected on the sensors with different strengths. The intensity may vary, because the organs have a different structure. The density of the reverse flow forms an image - a tomogram.
Important! The presence of implants, metal objects is not an obstacle to diagnosis, unlike MRI.
X-ray computed tomography is performed using x-rays. The modern research method allows to obtain a two-dimensional three-dimensional image. In the device device there is a feature that distinguishes the RKT from conventional x-rays. The source of the rays is a ring-like contour. A couch is mounted inside. The location of the patient allows you to receive pictures from various points at convenient angles. The computer collects information, carries out processing and issues a model of the organ in a three-dimensional image.
Doctors use one of the three existing types of research on RCT:
- The rotation of the x-ray tube around the patient and the simultaneous movement of the patient is spiral. Due to the fact that the procedure is carried out quickly, it is possible to obtain a minimum dose of radiation.
- RKT system that allows you to scan up to 500 layers. The multilayer technique receives radiation from sensors arranged in several rows. Thus, you can examine the organ in the process.
- Multi-helix RKT of organs passes according to accelerated technology: the equipment quickly scans and is able to increase resolution. Using the device, small vessels are examined. The diagnostic method is used by patients with cardiac problems.
Contraindications to the use of the method
Since the medical procedure uses x-rays that have an effect on all systems and organs, not everyone is shown such a diagnostic test technique. Contraindications include:
- kidney dysfunction;
- obesity (150+);
- gypsum or metal tires;
- fear of confined space;
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- violation of the psychoemotional state.
Important! The presence of concomitant diseases, treatment features should be reported to a leading specialist. In the event of a probable pregnancy, one should not hold back information so as not to harm oneself and the fetus.
Is there any harm from rkt to health
What is rkt? It is an effective and informative medical tool. The capabilities of the device cover all its shortcomings. The damage mainly comes from x-ray exposure. Rays adversely affect the blood structure, as a result of which pathological foci develop, provided that the permissible dose is exceeded.
It should be noted that doctors do not prescribe this examination method if less dangerous ones have not been tried (laboratory tests, ultrasound).
The minimum interval between the CT scan should be at least six months. Thus, the annual rate is almost impossible to exceed.
Duration of the procedure
How long can an RCT study last? It is difficult to predict the duration. It depends on many factors. If a contrast agent is used, then only the interval between injection and viewing takes a quarter of an hour. The timing itself varies from 5 to 20 minutes.
Complications
If you exceed the dose, in an adult patient this can cause:
- suppressed immunity due to a decrease in the number of leukocytes (leukemia);
- poor blood coagulation due to a decrease in platelet count (thrombocytopenia);
- the breakdown of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood (hemolytic disorders);
- violation of the respiratory function of tissues due to the breakdown of red blood cells (erythrocytopenia).
Side deviations occur only with an overdose of x-rays. After isolated cases of examination with radiation from the body, the body recovers in a few days.
For one adult, a dose of 150 m3v per year is not dangerous. For a baby, the indicator is significantly lower, as for people suffering from acute and chronic pathologies.
Why is contrast introduced in the RCT?
A contrast agent is usually used during the secondary examination, when the primary did not give a clear picture, and the doctor still had doubts about the correctness of the diagnosis. The contrast is represented by iodine preparations; accordingly, it is important to make sure that the patient is not intolerant to the components.
Not all people are allowed to use the diagnostic method using contrast, since the substance overloads the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Enter the drug intravenously or offer to inhale through the nose. It should be noted that such a research method is justified if necessary, clearly consider the focus of the pathology, since small details are not lost from the field of view.
Important! Patients who do not have a predisposition to allergies usually tolerate the administration of a contrast agent. If the drug is injected quickly into a vein, the likelihood of an allergic reaction is significantly reduced.
Can I do RKT pregnant?
Before deciding to conceive a child, the expectant mother should be vigilant. Also, this rule is relevant when a happy moment has happened. If the doctor recommends passing any tests, instrumental diagnostic methods, you should clarify the decoding of the RCT study, what it is and what are the possible consequences.
A person is sensitive to radiation radiation. There is no organ that does not respond to rays. During the gestation period, the embryo is at risk. X-ray fluxes can adversely affect the processes of body restructuring:
- change the hormonal background;
- psychoemotional state;
- metabolic processes.
If CT was prescribed to a woman who did not know about her pregnancy, it is impossible to predict the further development of the fetus. Up to a 12-week term, termination of pregnancy may be recommended. There is a high probability of fetal freezing or spontaneous abortion.
If the fetus can be saved, there may be defects in the maxillofacial zone, sensory organs, thyroid gland and further abnormalities during development.
The doctor determines the viability of the fetus and the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, based on:
- gestation period;
- the place that has been exposed;
- genetic counseling;
- ultrasound results.
After the diagnostic method, there are no contraindications to conception.
The principle of protection against radiation exposure
Having an idea of the procedure, knowing a clear definition of the RKT study, what it is and how important it is to resort to it in a timely manner, few people were interested in ways to avoid the danger of exposure.
You can reduce the effect of radiation exposure:
- Reducing research time.
- Refusing to take pictures in several projections.
- By reducing the current strength on the x-ray tube.
- Perform the procedure through bismuth screens.
- Use lead protection.
In order to get good-quality images the first time during the examination of children, sedatives are prescribed for babies before the procedure.
If the question is urgent: where can I do CT, the answer is obvious. It is important that this is a medical facility that complies with standards and sanitary standards. The clinic's specialists are qualified and have all the skills to work with equipment and patients.
RCT is a research method that significantly facilitated the work of doctors in all directions, as well as saving the lives of many patients. The rational use of the resource and the professionalism of doctors allow us to evaluate only the benefits of a quick and high-quality diagnosis.