US Medical Term · tests
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
Tomografía Computarizada (TC)
Also: Tomografía Axial Computarizada (TAC) (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | CT Scan (Computed Tomography) |
| Spanish (Español) | Tomografía Computarizada (TC) |
| Chinese (中文) | 電腦斷層掃描 |
| Korean (한국어) | CT 스캔 (컴퓨터 단층촬영) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chụp CT (Chụp cắt lớp vi tính) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | CT Scan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ซีทีสแกน |
| Japanese (日本語) | CT検査（コンピュータ断層撮影） |
What it means
A CT scan uses X-rays taken from many angles around your body to create detailed cross-sectional images. You will lie on a motorized table that slides through a large doughnut-shaped machine called a gantry. The machine rotates around you, taking multiple images quickly. The scan usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. You may receive an intravenous contrast dye to make certain structures more visible; if so, you should avoid food a few hours beforehand and mention any kidney problems or allergies. You may feel a warm flushing sensation if contrast is used. CT scans provide much more detail than regular X-rays and are used to evaluate organs, blood vessels, and internal injuries.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor ordered a CT scan — should I fast before the test?
Mi médico me ordenó una tomografía — ¿debo estar en ayunas antes del estudio?
I am allergic to contrast dye — can I still have a CT scan?
Soy alérgico al medio de contraste — ¿de todas formas puedo hacerme la tomografía?
How soon will my doctor receive the results of my CT scan?
¿Cuándo recibirá mi médico los resultados de mi tomografía?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026