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A 41-year-old female asked:

How accurate is a ct scan?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Peter Nefcy
Radiology 41 years experience
Difficult to say: A CT scan is a mathematical model of the inside of whatever body part is being scanned, based on the measurement of attenuation of the x-ray beam from multiple points on the outside. The accuracy is determined by whether a specific size abnormality can be seen, which varies with different diseases. A CT abnormality seen is accurate, but the disease causing this may not be easily determined.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Michael Gabor
Diagnostic Radiology 35 years experience
It depends on: the potential abnormality being assessed, assuming an appropriate and technically adequate CT scan was performed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

A 31-year-old member asked:

Can a CT scan without contrast be accurate?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Steven Chmielewski
Diagnostic Radiology 32 years experience
Depends.: For kidney stones we use no contrast, but we don't get as good a look at the solid organs. Contrast is usually helpful, but not always necessary.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Jan 5, 2020

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