Yes, a CT scanner moves during operation, specifically in helical CT technology.
Here's a breakdown based on the provided reference:
How CT Scanners Move: Helical/Spiral CT
Current CT technology utilizes a helical (or spiral) path. This means:
- The scanner is constantly spinning: The X-ray tube and detectors rotate continuously around the patient.
- The patient table is constantly moving: The table on which the patient lies moves through the scanner gantry at a consistent speed.
Because of this coordinated movement of both the scanner and the table, no two CT projections are acquired at the exact same slice or z-position in the body. This allows for faster and more detailed scanning.
