Computed Tomography

Regular X-rays are two-dimensional. The CT scan produces three-dimensional pictures of the body. This allows a radiologist to peer into the inside of the body without making an incision. The test is painless and non-invasive. Computed tomography, also known as CT scan, uses special X-ray equipment to capture many images from different angles, and then join them together to show body tissues and organs.

The CT scan is very helpful in examining structures like the brain and abdominal organs. Some CT scans use intravenous contrast to help light up the vascular structures. In a trauma situation, the CT scan can help quickly determine the type and extent of injury.

A CT examination usually takes from 15 minutes to half an hour. During the scan patients are not enclosed, so most people with claustrophobia can tolerate the procedure.

Accreditations

North Mississippi Medical Center has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). NMMC is also accredited by the ACR in computed tomography and participates in ACR's Dose Index Registry.

The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

Why should I have my imaging exam done at an accredited facility?

When you see the gold seals of accreditation prominently displayed in our imaging facility, you can be sure that you are in a facility that meets standards for imaging quality and safety.

To achieve the ACR Gold Standard of Accreditation, our facility's personnel qualifications, equipment requirements, quality assurance, and quality control procedures have gone through a rigorous review process and have met specific qualifications. It's important for patients to know that every aspect of the ACR accreditation process is overseen by board-certified, expert radiologists and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging.

What does ACR accreditation mean?

• We have voluntarily gone through a review to ensure that we meet nationally-accepted standards of care.
• Our personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform medical imaging, interpret your images, and administer your radiation therapy treatments.
• Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.

Imaging Safety

NMMC participates in The Image Gently Alliance. The primary objective of the Alliance is to raise awareness in the imaging community of the need to adjust radiation dose when imaging children.

NMMC also participates in the Image Wisely campaign, which works to lower the amount of radiation used in medically necessary imaging studies and eliminate unnecessary procedures.