Mechanics

   A CAT scan works by using a computer along with a rotating x-ray machine to examine the patient’s organs (Harris). The CT scan consists on a gliding bed capable of moving backward and forward surrounded by the large scanner. Basically the person is passing through the machine as if they are passing through a tunnel. The scanner is on a rotating frame and mounted with x-ray tube and a detector. The image is obtained during each complete rotation as the frame twirls around the patient (Imaginis Corporation). The detector takes up to 1000 snapshots during the rotation, and then the profiles are analyzed by the computer (Harris). Finally, all of the profiles from each rotation are compiled into a two-dimensional picture.