A computed tomography (CT) scanner is used to create cross-sectional slices of different objects. The medical version of CT system scans the human body for tumors or other abnormalities, other versions are used for non-destructive testing in the industry.
The CT imaging system includes the moveable gantry and patient table or couch. The gantry is a frame that contains the x-ray source, collimators, filters, detectors, a data acquisition system (DAS), rotational components including slip ring systems and all associated electronics. The x-ray tube and detector system are mounted opposite each other, allowing a rapid and synchronous rotation around the patient table.
In older CT scanners a small generator supplied power to the x-ray tube and the rotational components via cables for operation. Up to the 4th generation the CT tube and detectors rotate together around the patient for each slice. CT systems with slip ring technology (the x-ray tube rotates around a stationary ring of detectors) operate without cables and provides continuous rotation of the gantry components without interference of cables. Spiral CT scanners work with a continuous table movement while the x-ray tube is rotating around the patient.

Overview about CT scanner generations:
See also Contrast Media Injector, Dual-Head CT Power Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.

The cerebral blood pool can be imaged with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission computer tomography (PET) techniques. The used radiopharmaceuticals are technetium-99m labeled red blood cells (RCBs) for SPECT and O-15 labeled water for PET imaging. Measured can be cerebral blood volume, brain perfusion and cerebral metabolism.

See Cerebral Metabolic Imaging, Fluorodeoxyglucose, Regional Cerebral Blood Flow, Coincidence Detection, Annihilation Coincidence Detection and Cyclotron.

Cheetah® is a barium sulfate suspension for use as an aid for computed tomography of the gastrointestinal tract. The contrast medium contains additional pineapple-banana flavor suspending agents, simethicone, potassium sorbate, citric acid, sorbitol, artificial sweetener and water. Individual technique will determine the suspension quantity and specific procedure used. For computed tomography of the upper gastrointestinal tract should the patient drink 200-300 mL Cheetah® approximately 30-45 minutes before and an additional 200-300 mL approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the CT scan.
For total bowel opacification an additional 250-450 mL dose of Cheetah® may be given the evening before the examination. Approximately 1-2 hours before the examination should the patient drink 250-450 mL and 5-10 minutes before the CT scan another 250-450 mL. If rapid transit is desired, the suspension can be administered chilled. Rectally use of the contrast agent should be at room temperature to body temperature.

Contrast is the relative difference of intensities in two adjacent regions of an image. When referring to computed tomography (CT), contrast is defined as a difference in Hounsfield units between structures. The measurement of contrast resolution in CT imaging involves determining how easy it is to differentiate tissues whose CT density is similar to that of their surroundings. An image lacks contrast when there are no sharp differences between black and white. Brightness refers to the overall lightness or darkness of an image.
The contrast between air, soft tissue, and bones in x-ray and CT images is based on their different absorption of x-rays. Differences in tissue density, thickness and changes of the x-ray spectrum have consequences for image contrast, image noise as well as patient dose.
Optimized tube current, collimation, pitch and image reconstruction improves the contrast. Higher image contrast is produced by increased slice thickness, smaller matrix, and large field of view which results in large voxel size; high mAs to reduce noise; low pass filter.

See also Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography.

Contrast media injectors are part of the medical equipment used to deliver fluids in examinations such as CT, MRI, fluoroscopy and angiography. Many of these diagnostic imaging procedures include the administration of intravenous contrast agents to enhance the blood and perfusion in tissues.

Mainly there are two types of injector technology:
See also Single-Head Contrast Media Injector, Dual-Head CT Power Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.

The use of x-ray contrast agents in computed tomography (CT) began with a hand injection by the radiologist in the scan room. During its history, CT scanners have made great improvements in speed and image quality. Actual CT systems with multiple detectors allow scan times of a few seconds per body region. Some CT protocols require multiphase scans, where a body region is imaged with a single bolus of contrast in different blood flow phases. Automatic power (pressure) contrast media injectors are required to provide precise control of flow rate, volume and timing of injection. The use of a saline bolus following contrast administration reduces the volume of contrast required.

Most relevant topics for the use of a power injector in medical imaging procedures such as contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT):
Must have basic injector control options:
Examples of other injector control options: