High Resolution Chest CT - Benefits and Risks

CT is fast, which is important for patients who have trouble holding their breath.
CT is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
Unlike conventional x-rays, CT provides very detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device, unlike MRI.
CT imaging provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many areas of the body, particularly the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.
A diagnosis determined by CT may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy.
No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
X-rays used in standard CT exam have no immediate side effects.

There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis will generally outweigh the risk.
The effective radiation dose for this procedure varies. (see above)
Women should always inform their CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
CT is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary because of potential risk to the baby.