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A 41-year-old female asked:
How accurate is a ct scan?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Peter Nefcyanswered
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.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Gaboranswered
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.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
Can a CT scan without contrast be accurate?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Steven Chmielewskianswered
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.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 5, 2020
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