Computed Tomography (CT)

A diagnostic imaging method known as a computed tomography scan, or CT scan, creates sharp, high resolution images of the body, including bones, organs and blood vessels. These images are frequently referred to as slices. Compared to traditional x-rays, CT scans are more comprehensive and allow clinicians to view the body from various angles. When the scan is complete, the pictures or slices, can be seen in 2-D or stacked together to create 3-D cross-sections on a computer.

A CT scan enables your doctor to localize diseases practically anywhere on the body. The scans aid in the examination of blood clots, fractures, tumors, head, chest, abdominal and pelvic injuries. CT scans can also screen for indicators of heart and vascular disease as well as lung cancer using a low dose screening protocol.

Here at the Walla Walla Clinic our CT department is committed to excellence in patient care and radiation dose reduction. That’s why we have teamed up with Siemens Healthcare, a trusted healthcare company who has been revolutionizing health care for more than a century and a half. At the clinic we utilize a state of the art Siemens Somatom 64 slice CT scanner. What does this mean for you as a patient? In essence it means that the scanner can acquire more images in a shorter amount of time, enabling a faster scan time and quicker report turnaround. For patients’ peace of mind, the Siemens scanner is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Each one of our CT technologists are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and are currently certified by the Washington State Department of Health.