What this modality answers
- Nasal and skull disease: destructive versus non-destructive patterns, extent, and involvement of the cribriform plate.
- Thoracic detail: pulmonary nodules well below radiographic resolution, mediastinal masses, vascular anomalies.
- Complex orthopedic and spinal questions: articular fracture configuration, elbow and shoulder disease, vertebral anomalies.
- Surgical planning and oncologic staging, where margins and adjacent structures determine the approach.
When to send a study
- Radiographs are equivocal and the answer changes the surgical or medical plan.
- You are staging a tumor and need thoracic detail radiographs cannot provide.
- A patient has chronic nasal signs that have not responded to treatment.
- A fracture is complex and the surgeon needs the configuration before theatre.
What to include when you submit
- Submit the complete DICOM series from any helical CT scanner, including all reconstructions and both pre- and post-contrast series.
- Do not export images as JPEG or PNG; window and level settings must remain adjustable.
- State the contrast protocol used, including agent, dose and timing.
- Include the clinical history, prior imaging and the question the study is meant to answer.
Standard, STAT or Wet Read
STAT CT studies are returned within 4 hours. Standard studies are returned within 24 hours. Wet Read is the fastest option, read while you wait, addressing the specific questions submitted with the case.
The priority is chosen case by case at submission, and every case is read by an ACVR- or ECVDI-certified radiologist. Reports place the prioritized diagnoses and recommendations first, followed by the comprehensive findings, and each case carries Real-Time Chat so a question reaches the reading radiologist in seconds. More detail is in the guide to choosing a priority.
Frequently asked questions
Do you accept CT studies from any scanner?
Standard DICOM from any helical CT scanner is accepted, whatever the manufacturer or software version, as long as the complete series is submitted rather than exported pictures.
How many images does a CT study contain?
Several hundred to several thousand, depending on region and reconstruction. The radiologist reviews the full volume in multiple planes and window settings, which is why a complete DICOM submission matters more than any single image.
Should contrast always be given?
Not always. Bone and nasal questions are often answered on a pre-contrast study, while soft tissue, vascular and oncologic questions usually need contrast. When the question is not settled, note it in the history and the radiologist can advise on protocol for the next study.
Can we discuss the findings with the radiologist?
Yes. Real-Time Chat runs on the case, so a question about the images or the plan reaches the reading radiologist in seconds.