Why Triple Phase CT Abdomen is Recommended
Doctors recommend a Triple Phase CT Abdomen when they suspect liver or kidney diseases, abdominal tumors, or vascular issues. This detailed imaging allows specialists to analyze blood flow patterns and organ enhancement, which helps in diagnosing:
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Liver cancer, metastasis, or hepatic lesions
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Pancreatic tumors or cystic lesions
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Abdominal aneurysms or vascular malformations
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Kidney or adrenal gland abnormalities
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Post-surgical follow-up and treatment planning
Compared to a routine CT Abdomen scan, the Triple Phase CT Abdomen provides enhanced diagnostic precision by showing how tissues absorb contrast in different blood flow stages, making it easier to detect early-stage conditions.
Benefits of Triple Phase CT Abdomen Scan
A Triple Phase CT Abdomen scan offers several key benefits for both patients and doctors:
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Provides high-quality 3D images of abdominal organs and blood vessels
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Helps in early detection of malignant and benign lesions
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Offers detailed evaluation of liver and renal function
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Useful for pre-surgical mapping and follow-up after treatments
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Non-invasive, safe, and quick procedure (typically 15–20 minutes)
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Detects hidden abnormalities that may not appear on ultrasound or MRI
This technique is particularly beneficial in identifying tiny vascular changes or tumors in the liver and pancreas, which are often missed by standard imaging.
How Triple Phase CT Abdomen Test is Done
The Triple Phase CT Abdomen test is simple, painless, and carried out by experienced radiologists. Below is the step-by-step procedure:
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The patient is asked to fast for 4–6 hours before the scan.
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A contrast dye is given intravenously to highlight blood vessels and organs.
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The CT scanner captures images during:
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Arterial Phase (25–30 seconds)
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Venous Phase (60–70 seconds)
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Delayed Phase (3–5 minutes)
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All three image sets are analyzed together to evaluate organ enhancement patterns.
During the Three Phase CT Abdomen, the patient lies still on the table as the scanner rotates to capture detailed slice images. The total time for the procedure is approximately 20–25 minutes. Results are produced digitally for review by a radiologist.
Technical Parameters Used in Triple Phase CT Abdomen
For accurate and consistent results, specific scan parameters are used in the Triple Phase CT Abdomen procedure:
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Slice Thickness: 2–3 mm
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Contrast Dose: 1.5 mL/kg body weight
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Contrast Injection Rate: 3–4 mL/sec
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Scan Delay: 25–30 sec (arterial), 60 sec (portal venous), 180 sec (delayed)
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Voltage: 120 kVp, Current: 200–400 mA
These parameters ensure optimal contrast enhancement and detailed visualization of vascular structures and abdominal organs.