Sinus CT Scan in San Francisco, CA

What is the MiniCat CT Scanner

Why use it?

One of the basic tools used for diagnosing sinus- and ear-related problems is a computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. CT scanners create 3-dimensional x-ray images of the anatomy, giving physicians valuable information for an accurate diagnosis. Until recently, physicians had to send patients to hospitals or imaging centers for sinus or ear scans taken on large, donut-shaped full-body CT scanners. However, using the latest advancements in CT technology, our doctors can now take sinus and ear CT scans right in our office with the MiniCAT™.

By using this scanner right in our office, your doctor will have instant access to your CT scan and can go over their findings with you in just a few minutes. The next steps in your treatment plan can be agreed upon right away. The faster you begin your treatment, the faster you can get relief from your symptoms.

Is it safe?

Our in-house Xoran MiniCat CT scanner is optimized for imaging the sinus and ears and emits 0.04-0.17 mSv of radiation versus 2mSv in traditional CT head scans. This represents a 10-50 fold difference in effective radiation dose. A CT scan can be a useful diagnostic tool and the MiniCat ensures that this procedure is both a safe and convenient option, especially for children.

Below is a chart of the estimated effective doses of radiation emitted by the MiniCat for a sinus CT scan

To put this in perspective, below is a chart of the approximate effective dose for a variety of medical imaging procedures and their comparison to average background radiation. As shown, the MiniCat poses an extremely minimal amount of radiation exposure to patients – equivalent to just two chest x-rays – while giving doctors valuable images to inform their diagnosis and treatment of your condition.

The SF Institute of Sinus & Allergy cares about your safety. We have developed a Radiation Dose Log to enable patients to track their lifetime radiation exposure. Experts agree that your cumulative lifetime exposure is an important consideration when deciding whether to order a diagnostic scan. We encourage you to download and print this log and keep it in your medical files.

Sources

• CT Scans Radiation Increases Cancer Risk.” Medindia. Tuesday, January 05, 2010.
• Variable Doses of Radiation Raise Safety Concerns for CT Procedures” ScienceDaily Dec. 15, 2009.
• For more information about radiation risk, visit: http://www.xrayrisk.com/
• Radiology Info. www.Radiologyinfo.org 2010. Radiological Society of North America.