If there is a small rotten spot inside a potato, you have to make many small slices to find it. Computer tomography (CT) applies the same method to find a tumor in your body but no cutting is necessary. A CT scan takes "visual slices" of your body to help physicians locate problems including aortic aneurysms, appendicitis and internal injuries. Placentia Linda Hospital now offers this advanced technology to help aid in the prevention and treatment of many serious medical conditions.

"The machine takes x-rays from different angles to show a cross section of the body part in question but provides much more detailed information than a traditional x-ray," explains Harry Wolfe, director of radiology. "The images are projected onto a TV screen for a radiologist to examine. A report is given to your physician so he or she can make a recommendation on treatment."

Numerous studies have proven CT scans are a beneficial tool to more accurately diagnose abnormalities. In one study on the accuracy of these scans in diagnosing appendicitis in children, the machine detected the condition in 97 percent of the children who had it and ruled it out in 97 percent of those who did not have it. Accurate diagnoses from CT scans may reduce the amount of time spent in observation and the need for other costly tests.

Having a CT scan is easy and painless. You simply lie down on a table that moves through the scanner. The entire test only takes about 30 minutes.

Talk to your doctor about the benfit of a CT scan for you. For more information about this technology and other diagnostic tests, call 800-554-7879.