Is A 64 Slice CT Scan Sufficient? What Is “Slice” In CT Scan Terminology?

One of the consideration when choosing a healthcare provider for CT scans is the type of scanner that they use. One factor in particular to consider is the number of “slices” that the CT scanner is capable of producing. This article examines what is “slice” in CT scan terminology, and whether a 64 slice CT scan is sufficient.

What Is A CT Scanner?

CT (“computed tomography”) scanners use X-rays to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. They are often used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, injuries from trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. During a CT scan, the patient will be lying on a narrow, flat bed which will slide in and out of a donut-shaped scanner called the gantry. An x-ray beam is projected from the gantry at the patient. It is rotated around the body to create cross-sectional images of the body.

What Is “Slice” In CT Scan Terminology?

A “slice” in CT scan terminology refers to the individual 2-D cross-sectional image captured by a CT scanner. Early CT scanners could only produce a single slice with each rotation of the gantry. Modern multiple-slice CT scanners are an improvement on this initial technology. They can capture multiple slices per rotation, and the captured images are then combined to create a 3-D image. For example, in a 64 slice CT scanner, 64 slices of data are captured each time the gantry completes a rotation. The number of slices that current CT scanners are capable of making commonly ranges from 16 to 128 slices. Newer and more advanced machines can provide even higher slice-counts of 320 and beyond.

Benefits Of Higher Slide Count CT Scanners

In general, having a higher CT scanner slice count brings the following benefits for patients:

• Reduced scan times and better image resolution; allows for advanced imaging (e.g. cardiac examinations)
• Reduced scan times also means more comfortable scans for patients, and are especially beneficial for those with claustrophobia.
• Reduced radiation dose exposure.
• More accurate diagnosis.

4 – 8 Slice CT Scan

4- and 8 slice CT scanners are being phased out from the CT market. They are no longer competitive against market higher count CT scanners more commonly used.

16 Slice CT Scan

16 slice CT scanners may be used for general examination. They can provide full organ coverage with high-resolution imaging, but are less suitable for detailed cardiac imaging (e.g. examinations of coronary blood vessels).

32 – 40 Slice CT Scan

32 – 40 slice count CT scanners can offer shorter scan times compared to those with lower slice counts. In addition, the images they produce are not as influenced by motion artifacts as the lower slide count scanners.

64 Slice CT Scan

Scanners that can do 64 slice CT scan are today a standard for hospitals and imaging centres. They can produce diagnostic images within 5-10 seconds and execute a full body scan in under a minute.

64 slice CT scan is used for more advanced medical examinations. While 64 slice CT scan can be used for basic cardiac scans, allowing doctors to diagnose diseases like heart attacks and strokes, it is not ideal as there is still a need to slow down the heart rate for better image quality. For advanced cardiac studies, using CT scanners with higher slice counts is better.

128 Slice CT Scan

128 slice CT scanners are fast and can scan the whole body in a few seconds.  They can produce excellent 3D images of any organ in the body and provide detailed information (such as the blood flow circulation of whole organs), making it easier for doctors to diagnose diseases. With 128 slice CT scanners, advanced cardiovascular scans are possible – e.g. a stroke patient’s entire brain can be scanned to quickly find the blocked artery.

256 Slice CT Scan

CT scanners with a 256 slice count reduce radiation exposure for patients while providing outstanding image quality. They can scan the entire heart in the span of a heartbeat, producing high-resolution 3D images of the heart. 256 slice CT scanners are mainly used to detect coronary artery diseases and for other related assessments.

Suitable Applications For CT Scanners by Slice-Count

The uses for the different slice types of CT scanners is summarised in the table below (adapted from reference at IBN Medical website).

Is A 64 Slice CT Scan Sufficient?

To answer the question on whether a 64 slice CT scan is sufficient, the answer is that it really depends on what you need to scan for. For CT scans of the heart, you should consider a 128 slice scan at the minimum. Given the advantages of higher scan count, choosing a healthcare facility with 256 slice CT scanner and above may be more ideal.

Where To Find Healthcare Facilities With CT Scanners With 256 Slice-Count And Above In Singapore?

Healthcare facilities in Singapore often do not indicate publicly the make and model of their CT scanners. Below is a non-exhaustive listing of healthcare providers in Singapore with 256 slice and above CT scanners. Do confirm with the healthcare provider on what machine they are using, if the choice of CT scanner is a priority for you.

• Advanced Medicine Imaging / Asia HealthPartners– Philips IQon Spectral (256 slice CT scanner)
• AsiaMedic – GE Revolution Apex Elite (512 slice CT scanner)
• Lifescan Imaging – SOMATOM Drive dual source CT scanner (128 slice x 2)
• Mt Alvernia hospital – Siemens Somatom Flash CT – 256 slice CT scanner

Get A CT Scan In Singapore

If you are looking to get a CT scan in Singapore, we can help set up an appointment with our healthcare partners including AsiaMedic, Advanced Medicine / Asia HealthPartners and Lifescan Imaging. Contact us below and let us know your requirements.

Learn more about Medical Imaging on our page here.