CT Scan

Computed tomography (CT) at the Radiodiagnostic Department of Vojenská nemocnice Olomouc provides fast, high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, and musculoskeletal system. CT acquires images in seconds to a few minutes using a rotating X-ray source and computer reconstruction, making it the preferred modality for bone detail, lung assessment, acute presentations and rapid organ surveys. The department issues a written radiologist report for every examination. Self-pay patients can book without a referral and access the full range of in-house specialist follow-up if findings require it.

Computed tomography uses a rotating X-ray gantry and detector array to acquire hundreds of thin cross-sectional slices simultaneously. The raw data is reconstructed by computer into multi-planar images and three-dimensional volumes, allowing the radiologist to examine bone, soft tissue and vascular structures from any angle. A typical CT examination acquires in 10–30 seconds of actual scan time, with the total appointment lasting approximately 15–30 minutes including positioning, safety checks and contrast administration if required. At Vojenská nemocnice Olomouc, CT is available to self-pay patients across the standard range of indications: chest CT for lung nodule assessment, pneumonia characterisation and pulmonary vascular assessment; abdominal and pelvic CT for organ lesions, acute abdominal presentations and oncological staging; head CT for cranial trauma, haemorrhage and acute neurological presentations; and musculoskeletal CT for complex fractures and bone pathology. The department operates within a state military hospital with immediate access to clinical specialists if urgent findings are identified. Unlike MRI, CT uses ionising radiation. The radiation dose varies by body region and protocol — a chest CT delivers approximately 3–7 mSv (equivalent to 1–3 years of natural background radiation), while a head CT is lower at approximately 1–2 mSv. The decision to perform CT is always weighed against the diagnostic benefit; for soft-tissue conditions in younger patients without a time-critical presentation, MRI may be recommended as a radiation-free alternative. Intravenous iodinated contrast agent is frequently administered for CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis to highlight vascular structures, characterise lesions and improve organ-to-background contrast. Contrast requires documentation of renal function (eGFR or creatinine) and a check for known iodine or contrast allergy. Patients on metformin for diabetes must withhold the medication for 48 hours after iodinated contrast. Contrast is not used for standard head CT in acute settings. The examination requires the patient to lie still on the table as it moves through the gantry ring. For thoracic and abdominal protocols, brief breath-hold instructions are given by the radiographer to minimise respiratory motion artefact over the lungs and abdominal organs. Metal in the scan field (jewellery, implants, piercings) degrades image quality through beam-hardening artefact — patients should remove all removable metal before scanning. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication for CT; the radiation dose to the foetus is clinically relevant and CT should be performed in pregnancy only when the diagnostic benefit clearly outweighs the risk, typically in acute life-threatening presentations. Self-pay patients who may be pregnant should inform the department at booking.