Why CT Grids Are Important in Radiology
Discover what a CT grid is and why they’re an integral part of radiology and the patient experience.
In the UK, 5 million CT scans occur every year. While in 2020, over 1 million biopsies were ordered and performed by doctors. It’s during these types of procedures that medical professionals are encouraged to use a CT grid.
But what is a CT grid, and why can it make a significant difference to radiology departments and the patient experience? Let’s explore.
What are CT Grids?
A CT grid is used to guide medical staff when examining and preparing various abdominal areas for biopsies and drainage procedures. Common parts of the body to use a CT grid would include:
- Internal Organs
- Thyroid
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
The CT grid provides a precise entry point for needles during biopsies, drainages or any other medical purposes that requires making an accurate mark on the patient’s skin.
During the CT scan, the grid dots will be highlighted on the screen, enabling the medical professionals to mark the exact point of entry with a pen as the laser is set across the grid.
The CT grid is made from porous, non-woven fabric and latex-free material, offering flexible placement and additional accuracy by conforming closely to the patient’s body. The dimensions of the grid exterior are 10.5 inches long by 7.5 inches wide, whereas the grid itself is 8 inches long by 5 inches wide.
Within the grid, you have 1 cm markings with a clear indication for the right and left sides. Inside one of the markings is where you will mark for point of entry. This mark then transfers to the skin where it will remain.
Two adhesive strips are positioned on the back, which can be pulled when placing the grid on the right area by aligning the four reference points marked on the patient with the corner crosshairs of the grid.
Essentially, CT grids are useful to medical professionals during CT scans for the accuracy and speed they offer, alongside the comfort of the patient.
What are the Benefits of a CT Grid?
A CT grid offers multiple advantages for guiding biopsies or medical drainage procedures, including:
Greater Accuracy
The main purpose of the CT grid is to offer as much accuracy for point-of-entry procedures as possible. As a medical professional, you can pinpoint the exact area for insertion on the CT scan if the grid is placed skintight on the correct area of examination. During the CT scan, the adhesive strips keep the grid steady, conforming tightly to the skin.
When examining the CT scan, you may align the grid dots with the skin surface to determine the exact point of entry. Apply this observation from the screen outside onto the grid where the laser crosses the line. Follow the line of the laser to mark the spot with precision and confidence.
After marking precisely, you can quickly remove the grid to perform your biopsy or drainage procedure in the confidence of knowing you have the exact position marked.
Time Saved
The CT grid offers medical professionals a time saver by finding the correct spot quickly and reducing the number of needle insertions necessary.
Biopsy or drainage procedures can be performed at a higher rate with greater accuracy, saving time for staff and patients. While any patients who suffer from trypanophobia are limited to fewer needle insertions, aiding the process of the procedures.
Added Comfort
The non-woven fabric and latex-free material conform comfortably to the patient’s skin. The patients will not have to endure the discomfort of any unnecessary insertions as the grid allows for accurate pinpoint precision.
Safety
By using the CT grid, patients and staff will be less exposed to radiation due to the speed and accuracy during procedures. CT grids are also disposable to avoid any chance of cross-contamination.
Why CT Grids Are Important
As a medical professional, mistaking the entry point of your patient will cause you to have to reinsert your needle, leading to added frustration and greater discomfort for your patient. A CT grid removes this possibility by giving you a precise entry point from the beginning.
Biopsy procedures can be critical, especially when treating cancer or tumours. Having the utmost accuracy available during these treatments is essential to gain the best chance of treating the patient successfully.
CT grids are also made as disposable items to prevent any outcome of cross-contamination. Each CT grid pack comes with multiple disposable grids for one use only.
Alongside its accuracy and hygienic properties, the CT scan avoids staff and patients from being overexposed to radiation while acting quickly without delay and reduced human error. Patients remain comfortable while the doctors and nurses work quickly and effectively.
How to Use a CT Grid
Choosing the best equipment is one thing, but using it correctly is just as important. Here are seven simple instructions for using a CT grid correctly:
- Take your CT grid and begin to remove one section of adhesive tape from the back.
- Place the grid over the abdominal area you wish to examine.
- When satisfied with the position, remove the other strip of adhesive tape and place the grid securely, ensuring it’s skintight and spread flat and evenly over the surface area.
- During the CT scan, determine which dots on the screen represent the best point of entry.
- Take this observation to mark this exact spot on the grid with a pen.
- Remove and correctly dispose of the grid.
- Perform your biopsy, drainage, or other medical procedure.
The CT grid is designed to be as simple and effective as possible for all medical professionals to apply with ease, accuracy, and confidence.
Learn More About Our CT Biopsy Fast Find Grid
As medical imaging experts, we provide low-cost Fast Find CT Grids for quick and precise biopsy and drainage procedures. Our business has over 85 years of experience, with an ethos founded on providing quality products with excellent service to all our clients.
Contact us today to learn more about our Fast Find CT Grid products. And to stay in touch with the latest company and industry updates, follow us on LinkedIn.