Difference Between X-ray and CT scan (with Comparison Chart)

November 2022 · 5 minute read

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Minor though the significant difference between X-ray and CT scan is that, X-ray is used to detect the fractures and dislocation of bones, it can also detect pneumonia, cancers. On the other hand, CT scan is a kind of advanced X-ray machines used to diagnose the delicate internal organs, injuries carefully, it uses both various X-ray images of the structure, along with the computer and provides the result.

Secondly, X-ray machines sometimes fail in diagnosing soft tissues, muscles damage and other body organs, which is possible through Computed Tomography procedure commonly known as CT scan. Images produced by X-ray are in 2D, whereas 3D images are formed in CT scan.

To know the better and accurate cause of disease, illness, fractures, bones abnormalities or pain, doctors advised for X-rays or CT Scan (Computed Tomography) process. There are various types of machines used to detect diseases but most commonly these two are used. The process of diagnosing is performed under the supervisor known as Radiologist.

Given below are the few more differences in table form, which will help to distinguish among them more clearly.

Content: X-ray Vs CT scan

  • Comparison Chart
  • Definition
  • Key Differences
  • Conclusion

    • Comparison Chart

    Basis for ComparisonX-rayCT (Computed Tomography) scan.
    MeaningX-ray machines uses the light or radio waves as radiation for scanning the effected body part like fracture, bones dislocation, lungs infections, pneumonia, tumours.CT scan (Computed Tomography) process is a kind of advanced x-ray machines, which provide the much detailed structure of the affected body part and even more clear images of the internal soft tissues and organs.
    Invented ByWilhelm Rontgen in 1895.Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack in 1972.
    Imagex ray differentct scan different
    Dimensions of images2D.3D.
    Use to diagnoseFractured bones, dislocation of bones, pneumonia, tumours.Internal organs, soft tissues, blood vessels.
    AdvantagesInexpensive.Used to produce deep and high-quality images.
    Easily available.
    		Uses 360-degree x-ray beam and images produced can be seen on the computer screen which is more powerful and clear.
    DisadvantagesInternal organs injuries details are not clearly visible.
    		Expensive.
    Sometimes radiations can be harmful if precautions not taken.
    		Not easily available in rural and small hospitals.


    Definition of X-ray

    Wilhelm Rontgen invented the X-ray machine in 1895. Later other scientist began taking these radiographs. Radiographs are the image formed of the scanned body part on the film.

    X-ray machines use light or radio waves kind of radiations. X-ray is the fastest and easiest way for health care professionals to diagnose about the bones, soft tissues, other body injuries. It is the most commonly and easily used method all over, for detecting bones fracture, dislocation of bones, tumors, pneumonia.

    x ray content

    Working

    As said above these X-ray machines uses radiations of light or radio waves, these radiations pass through objects like bones, which appear white on X-ray film. An x-ray machine produces a small explosion of radiation that passes through the focused body part which has to be examined, once this radiation passed through the body, a recorded image is produced on photographic film.

    Soft tissues like muscles, fats and other organs absorb x-rays to the different extent, due to which denser objects like bones absorbs much radiation and hence appear white in color on photographic film whereas soft tissues appear in shades of gray as they absorb lesser radiation.

    Definition of CT Scan

    In 1972, Engineer Godfrey Hounsfield and physicist Allan Cormack invented the CT (Computed Tomography) scan. Also known as a CAT (computed axial tomography) scan. CT scan machines look likes a square box with a tunnel inside, which is considered as advanced type X-ray machines and works on the same principles as X-ray machines.

    CT scan is used to scan organs, soft tissues which provide with multiple x-ray images to create a final image, which is viewed on the monitor of the computer. It focuses on target areas much better than X-rays.

    Ct scan content

    Working

    During CT scan procedure, the patient is asked to lie on the table, that slides into the CT scanner. Once it starts scanning, the X-ray machines rotate around at 360 degrees and create many images of that part called ‘slices,’ which can be viewed by radiologists on the monitor. Often the patient is asked to drink a solution prior to the test, which contrasts to the CT scan image and helps radiologist to view a clear image. It helps in diagnosing soft tissues, blood vessels, various internal organs.

    Key Differences Between X-ray and CT scan

    Following are the substantial difference between X-ray and CT scan:

  • The X-ray machine was discovered by Wilhelm Rontgen in 1895, whereas CT scan was invented Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack in 1972.
  • X-ray machines use the light or radio waves to produce the image by scanning the affected body part and result in a 2D image; CT scan is the advanced type of X-ray image producer which provides 3D image and scanned the body with 360 degrees and produces multiple X-ray which can view on the computer screen.
  • X-ray provides the image of fractured and dislocated bones, pneumonia, and tumors; CT scan provides images of soft tissues, internal organs which is very clear and understandable.
  • A CT scan focus on target area better than X-ray.

    • Conclusion

    X-ray and CT scan are used by health care professionals to know about the internal injuries occurred in the body whether it is a soft tissue like muscles or hard like bones. These machines scanned the affected body part and provide the accurate result and thus support for best treatment to the patient.

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