Main Difference
Several kinds of scans are currently existing that help in diagnosing the actual problems going on inside the human body, and therefore it is important to know which is specific to what function. The main difference between a CT scan and CAT scan comes in the definition. CT scan is called the Computerized Tomography scan the process is used to make details picture of internal organs of human body and other structures that exist within by using x-rays. CAT scan is known as the Computerized Axial Tomography scan the process is used to make details picture of internal organs of human body and other structures that exist within by using x-rays.
Comparison Chart
| Basis of Distinction | CT Scan | CAT Scan |
| Name | Computerized Tomography Scan. | Computerized Axial Tomography Scan. |
| Usage | Originally known as the EMI scan because of the company name that introduced this equipment | Because of the axial image resolutions, the term also gets known as CAT scan. |
| Working | Scanner emits radiations through a series of beams. Data gets collected and then moved to a computer where a 3-D picture show part of the body. | The process remains the same, but a dye used to show clear images. |
| Benefits | Same as CAT scan | Checks flow of blood vessels, human lungs, brain, abdomen and the ruptures within the bones. |
| Spoken Language | Taken as a general term. | Mostly used as a technical term. |
CT Scan
Also known as the Computerized tomography scan the process is used to make details picture of internal organs of human body and other structures that exist within by using x-rays. The process is simple where the device combines several images of x-ray that are taken from different angles and then uses computer programming to create images that are either cross-sectional or in slices. The parts of the body that become prominent with the help of this process include the slices of bones, blood vessels, soft tissues and others and provide detailed information when compared with a general radiology test. Although the uses of such type of activity are many the most common ones include the checking of any injury that exists on the internal surface, these get caused due to any car accident or collision with the wall or people. It also plays an important role before surgery when the doctor has to keep track of all the activities going on inside and careful calibration of any improvements. A doctor diagnoses such a test whenever there is some disorder within the human bones or muscles such as a tumor. Guiding of the procedures such as surgery, biopsy, radiation therapy. For the detection and monitoring of processes such as chemotherapy and keeping track of the movements. Along with the benefits come some risks and these include the exposing to the ionization radiation, and it is a lot more than the one during simple x-ray process and therefore occasionally done.
CAT Scan
Also known as Computerized Axial Tomography scan the process is used to make details picture of internal organs of human body and other structures that exist within by using x-rays. It is different from other methods due to the axial images received that help in diagnosing and treatment of issues in a better way. The scanner emits radiations through a series of beams through the human body that move in arcs. The scanner has a capacity of seeing various levels of density therefore even the smallest of changes taking place inside the human body get detected at fast rates. Whenever there is some doubt on accuracy, a dye of a color different from the body gets used, and it instantly shows the changes taking place. The data gets collected and then moved to a computer where a 3-D picture with several axial orientations show part of the body on the screen. The contrast is made in such a way that if a person has their abdomen under examination, they get to drink barium that shows white in the display as compared to other parts that are black in color. This process mostly gets used for issues such as soft tissues, for the pelvis where other instruments aren’t feasible, to check the flow of blood vessels, human lungs, brain, abdomen and the ruptures within the bones. Another thing to remember is that it is close to the MRI scan in many ways. Although most people confused the CAT and CT scan as different, there are not many variations as they become the different name of the same process.
Key Differences between CT Scan and CAT Scan
- CT scan gets known as the Computerized tomography, on the other hand, CAT scan gets known as Computerized Axial Tomography scan.
- Both the CT scan and the CAT scan are processes that are used to make details picture of internal organs of human body and other structures that exist within by using x-rays.
- CT scan was initially known as the EMI scan because of the company name that introduced this equipment in the market. Because of the axial image resolutions, the term also gets known as CAT scan.
- CT scan is the general usage term used by people who may or may not have much idea about the processes that go along. CAT scan is the technical term used by individuals who are in the field of processing.
- Both the scans have a same working process where the scanner emits radiations through a series of beams passing through the human body and move in arcs. Data gets collected and then transferred to a computer where a 3-D picture with several axial orientations show part of the body on the screen.
- CAT and CT scans get utilized to check the flow of blood vessels, human lungs, brain, abdomen and the ruptures within the bones.
Video Explanation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQrvGpBiUfI
professionals use the term CT rather than CAT due to the fact the original scanners could only scan in one plan— the axial plane – that is why they were called CAT scans. Modern scanners can scan in multiple planes…so the current term CT is preferred.
I had a Cat scan yesterday. Today my doctor called and said I need a CT scan of the same area. He said the CT scan was more definitive. How much more definitive is the CT scan, and does it indicate further consult with a specialist.