CT Scan Operating Console: Functions & Controls Quiz and Flashcards

What is the purpose of the second console in a CT imaging system?

Which component of a CT scanner is responsible for controlling table motion?

What is the function of the physician's viewing console in a CT imaging system?

Which role does the operator's console play in the CT imaging system?

What is the purpose of having several remote imaging stations available to radiologists and other physicians?

How does the CT computer control table motion in a CT scanner?

What is the primary purpose of the patient table (or couch) being able to retract from the bore of the CT gantry and lower to sitting height?

Which of the following physical characteristics is NOT important for optimizing image fidelity on the display monitor?

What is the purpose of the windowing process in CT image display?

What is the relationship between window width (WW) and the number of shades of grey presented in the CT image?

What is the purpose of the series of laser lights mentioned in the text?

What is the role of the window level (WL) in CT image display?

CT Scanner Console

The operating console of a CT scanner can have two or three consoles: one for the CT radiologic technologist, one for post-processing images, and one for the physician to view and manipulate images.
The consoles allow the operator to select imaging technique factors, control the gantry and patient couch movement, and use computer commands for image reconstruction and transfer.

Patient Table or Couch

The patient table is an essential component of the CT scanner, controlled by the CT computer using precision motors with telemetric feedback for patient positioning and scanning.
The table can be retracted from the gantry, lowered to sitting height, and moved upward to insert the patient into the bore of the scanner.
Laser lights provide references for centering the patient in the bore and adjusting their position.

Image Display, Storage, and Communication

After reconstruction, the CT image is displayed on a television monitor or liquid crystal display in digital form.
The grayscale image display requires optimization of image fidelity, influenced by luminance, resolution, noise, and dynamic range.
Resolution is a critical parameter, with display matrices ranging from 64 × 64 to 2048 × 2048.

Windowing

Windowing is the process of limiting the number of shades of gray in a CT image to optimize viewing by the human eye.
The grayscale of a CT image is typically limited to a range of (+1000 to −1000), which represents varying shades of gray.
Windowing is performed by fine-tuning the image on the computer screen to enhance viewing and emphasize various tissues of interest.
Window width (WW) defines the number of shades of gray presented, controlling image contrast, while window level (WL) defines the center of the CT number range, controlling image brightness.

Explore the functions and roles of the two to three consoles in computed tomography imaging systems. Learn about how radiologic technologists operate the system and process images for patient data and identification. Delve into the different capabilities each console provides.