Computed tomography
Computed tomography is an established, fast procedure that has become indispensable in routine diagnostic routine diagnostics.
Of course, our institutes are equipped with the most modern technology.
Computed tomography
General information
More details on computed tomography
The X-rays are measured as they pass through the body with detectors and then converted to cross-sectional images by computer (scan speeds of 2 to 350 milliseconds with simultaneous acquisition of up to 384 layers). The necessary radiation dose can be reduced by the latest technology by up to 90 percent.
The result: precise and overlay-free images that enable accurate evaluation and analysis; The smallest density differences – and thus the finest structures, such as in the lungs or in the abdomen – can be shown.
Special measuring programs allow the representation of the dental apparatus or the determination of the bone mineral salt content in osteoporosis examinations.
One of our highlights is our Dual Source Dual Energy CT at Diagnostikum Graz, a device equipped with two X-ray tubes. The result: double scanning speed, higher image quality, better presentation, more precise diagnostics despite up to 90 percent lower radiation dose.
Frequent applications
- diagnosis of changes in the brain
- examination of diseases of the spinal column (e.g. intervertebral discs)
- diagnosis of diseases of the viscerocranium (e.g. paranasal sinuses) and the neck (e.g. larynx or lymph nodes)
- method to examine the fine structure of the lungs, the bones and the middle and inner ear
- evaluation of diseases of the thorax and the lungs
- examination of diseases of the abdominal organs (liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands)
- special examinations of the small intestine and the colon for treatment-resistant and unclear abdominal pain and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
- the ideal method to image lymph nodes
- diagnosis of diseases of the pelvic organs (e.g. ovaries) and the pelvic soft tissues
- a safe method to image the large vessels (e.g. aorta or pulmonary arteries)
- dental CT: three-dimensional imaging of the upper and lower jaw and the teeth (e.g. before dental implants)
- osteoporosis CT: reliable and conclusive method to determine bone density
- cardio CT: the most reliable, non-invasive method to determine the calcium content of the coronary arteries and to rule out or provide evidence of a significant coronary heart disease
- virtual colonoscopy: four-dimensional imaging of the colon and the rectum to detect or rule out the presence of polyps and tumours (alternative diagnostic method to conventional endoscopy)
- low-dose multi-slice spiral CT of the lungs: currently the best method for early detection of bronchial carcinomas at the same exposure to radiation as in a thorax X-ray
- virtual angioscopy: three-dimensional imaging of the inner structure of the vessels
- virtual tracheobronchoscopy: four-dimensional imaging of the trachea and the bronchi to rule out or provide evidence of and for the surgical planning of bronchial tumours
- CT-targeted pain therapy: injection of medicines exact to the millimetre into the anatomical structures responsible for the pain, primarily the cervical spine, the lumbar spine and the sacroiliac joint
- CT-targeted organ biopsies: minimally invasive tissue extraction (e.g. from the lungs or the liver) for an exact histological characterisation
How is the examination carried out?
The examination takes a maximum of ten minutes. In the CT room, you lie on an examination bed, which moves quickly through the opening of the CT scanner during the examination. An X-ray tube rotates around your body. The attenuation of the X-rays as they pass through the body is measured with detectors and converted into cross-sectional images using a computer.
What should I keep in mind for the examination?
It is important that you keep still during the examination, avoid any movements and follow the breathing commands exactly. To achieve good results, it is important to hold your breath briefly in many examinations. You will be under the supervision of expert staff throughout the entire treatment.
Is the examination causing pain?
Computed tomography is a harmless form of examination and completely painless. The necessary radiation dose can be reduced by up to 90 per cent using the latest technology, and the examination times are becoming increasingly shorter.
Does contrast medium have to be administered?
Depending on the type of examination, the administration of an intravenous, non-ionic, iodine-containing X-ray contrast medium may be necessary. It can contribute to the imaging of certain organs and anatomical bodily structures and help to detect pathological changes. The contrast medium increases the relevance of the examination and ensures diagnosis. Thanks to the latest technology, it is possible for us to significantly reduce the quantity of the contrast medium administered. Please take note of our contrast medium information sheets.
Do I need to bring anything to the examination?
It is important that you bring your kidney laboratory values and your thyroid values to the examination.
Does computed tomography require authorisation from a chief of medicine?
All computed tomography examinations used to require authorisation from a chief of medicine. The health insurance funds have recently made the requirement for authorisation from a chief of medicine less strict or even abolished it, which makes access to these examinations considerably easier. However, there are still large differences between the Austrian provinces and compulsory insurance funds.
A rough overview is provided here:
IN VIENNA AND LOWER AUSTRIA
For those insured by the provincial health insurance fund (GKK), the health insurance fund for farmers (SVB), a company health insurance fund (BKK) or other non-Austrian EU insurance funds, no CT examinations require authorisation if the referral was made by a doctor who has a contract with a health insurance fund. If the referral was made by a doctor who does not have a contract with a health insurance fund, the examinations require authorisation from a chief of medicine as previously. For those insured by the insurance fund for public service employees (BVA), the health insurance fund for employees of the City of Vienna (KFA) or the health insurance fund for the self-employed (SVG), all CT examinations require authorisation from a chief of medicine without exception.
IN BURGENLAND
Those insured by the Burgenland health insurance fund do not require authorisation from a chief of medicine for CT examinations if the referral was made by a specialist or a specialist outpatient department of a hospital. Exceptions are dental CTs for implants or CT colonoscopies – as previously, all insured persons require authorisation from a chief of medicine for these.
IN STYRIA
No CT examinations require authorisation for those insured by the Styrian health insurance fund, the BVA or the insurance fund for railways and mining (VAEB) if the referral was made by a specialist or on a specialist’s recommendation (e.g. by a hospital). Exceptions are dental CTs, cardiac CTs and CT colonoscopies. For those insured by the SVG, the SVB or the KFA, all CT examinations require authorisation without exception.
This rough overview is intended to serve as a guide, and if you have any further questions, our staff are available at any time.
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