How to Read a CAT Scan

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT scan) is a noninvasive, digital diagnostic method that assists clinicians to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat medical diseases. Specialized X-ray machines and high tech computers are combined to give the clinician a two or three dimensional view of the inside of the human body. Diseases that are easily identifiable using the CAT scan include: head trauma, musculoskeletal abnormalities, cancerous tumors and infectious disease. The following tips will detail the process of effectively reading a CAT scan.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the patient and technical details. It is important that you make sure the name of the patient including scan date is labeled on each CAT scan image. Identify the orientation of the patient in the image, indicating whether the image was taken on the right, left, superior, or anterior portion of the body.

• 2

  Examine the scanned image. Methodically inspect the region and internal organs of the body that has been scanned. Observe qualities such as shape, symmetry, size and lesions. Describe and note down the descriptions of the qualities. Be specific and accurate. An example notation might be "Size of the overall brain is enlarged" or "Small lesion located on the bottom left portion of the left lung."

• 3

  Analyze the CAT scan. Look and note down any abnormalities you found in analyzing the CAT scans. Note down anything that prevented you from correctly analyzing the image, such as movement and artifacts.

• 4

  Prepare a written report. Your final summary must include the patient's identification, your radiological findings and your final analysis and conclusion. Also report negative findings (normal) and positive findings as detailed and accurately as possible.