This method of radiology generates images of the tissue in slices about 1 cm thick.

The referring physician should obtain CT scanning for only appropriate indications, for answering a specific clinical question, and when no other alternative imaging study is available. Physicians should be familiar with alternative and complementary imaging and diagnostic procedures.

All radiologists, medical physicists, radiologic technologists, and supervising physicians should make every effort possible to minimize radiation dose to patients, staff, and society as a whole while maintaining the necessary diagnostic image quality. Imaging facilities should have in place, and should adhere to, policies and procedures that specify protocols tailoring the CT scan to the patient’s body habitus in accordance with ACR guidelines.

Safety screens should be in place, with more than one verification, to identify and counsel patients who are or may be pregnant.

Similar measures must be in place in order to identify patients at risk for allergic reactions.

In most cases, contrast media is typically avoided in patients with medial renal disease.

Contrast media must be stored under secure conditions within the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer and administered under sterile conditions.

Appropriate emergency equipment and medications must be immediately available to treat adverse contrast reactions, and these should be monitored for inventory and drug expiration dates regularly.