A Computer Tomography scan (CT or CAT for short), is an X-Ray test that produce cross sectional images of the body parts scanned. These cross sections allow radiologists to inspect the inside of the body, just like one could inspect the insides of a bread by slicing it.

CT scans are more often used to evaluate the condition of the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and sinuses.

When scanning the abdomen or pelvis regions, the patient is required to drink a dilute barium liquid, which works as a contrast agent to help the radiologist to identify the gastrointestinal tract, and detect abnormalities with the organs.

Using modern technology, the cross sections produced by a CT scan can also be fed to a volumetric renderer, that generates a 3D model of the area scanned, in which the examiner can move freely around.