CT Table

Question 1

Motorized radiolucent platform that supports and positions the patient ducting scanning

Answer 1

Patient table (couch)

Question 2

Primary roles of the pt table (couch)

Answer 2

1. Positioning
2. Stability
3. Precision movement

Question 3

Moves the patient accurately into the
gantry for imaging

Answer 3

Positioning

Question 4

Holds the patient still to avoid motion artifacts

Answer 4

Stability

Question 5

Translates the patient through
the gantry in a highly controlled manner, allowing
image acquisition slice by slice or in helical mode.

Answer 5

Precision movement

Question 6

Radiolucent Material: Made of carbon fiber or similar
composites to minimize X-ray attenuation and artifacts

Answer 6

Pt table

Question 7

Pt table typically supports – (Higher in modern systems for bariatric patients)

Answer 7

200-300 kg

Question 8

Dimensions: Long and narrow to allow easy entry into the
gantry while accommodating head-to-toe scanning

Answer 8

Pt table

Question 9

Design Features of pt table

Answer 9

 Smooth surface for patient comfort and easy cleaning.
 Safety straps or immobilization devices for patients who
may move involuntarily.
 Padding to reduce discomfort during longer exams.

Question 10

SPECIAL FEATURES IN MODERN CT TABLES

Answer 10

 Motorized Elevation
 Floating Tabletop
 Pediatric and Bariatric Design Options
 Integrated Accessories

Question 11

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Answer 11

 Collision Sensors
 Emergency Stop Buttons
 Patient Restraints
 Table Locking

Question 12

TYPES OF PATIENT TABLE MOVEMENT

Answer 12

1. Longitudinal (Head-to-Foot)
   Movement
2. Vertical (Up-and-Down) Movement
3. Tilt and Lateral Movement (in some
   models)

Question 13

The most critical; allows the table
to feed the patient into the
gantry.

Answer 13

Longitudinal (Head-to-Foot)
Movement

Question 14

Movement is highly precise
(submillimeter accuracy); ensures proper slice positioning

Answer 14

Longitudinal (Head-to-Foot)
Movement

Question 15

Essential for helical/spiral
scanning, where continuous table
motion synchronizes with tube
rotation.

Answer 15

Longitudinal (Head-to-Foot)
Movement

Question 16

Aligns patient with the scan plane and
isocenter of the gantry

Answer 16

Vertical (Up-and-Down) Movement

Question 17

Important for dose optimization
(keeping anatomy at isocenter avoids
unnecessary dose).

Answer 17

Vertical (Up-and-Down) Movement

Question 18

Older CT scanners allowed table tilt for
special projections (e.g., myelography).

Answer 18

Tilt and Lateral Movement

Question 19

Modern scanners rarely use this since
multiplanar reformation (MPR) replaces
the need for physical angulation; for 3D reconstruction

Answer 19

Tilt and Lateral Movement

Question 20

TABLE CONTROL AND AUTOMATION

Answer 20

 Technologist Console
 Automatic Positioning
 Step-and-Shoot (Axial) Mode
 Continuous (Helical) Mode

Question 21

The radiographer controls
table movement remotely from the control room.

Answer 21

Technologist console

Question 22

The scanner can
automatically move the table to a programmed
starting point.

Answer 22

Automatic positioning

Question 23

Table moves
incrementally between scans.

Answer 23

Step-and-Shoot (axial) mode

Question 24

Table moves smoothly
during scanning, synchronized with tube rotation.

Answer 24

Continuous (helical) mode

Question 25

FUNCTIONAL IMPORTANCE

Answer 25

 Image Quality  Patient Safety  Workflow Efficiency

Question 26

Rapid and smooth movement reduces scan time, essential for trauma and emergency imaging.

Answer 26

Workflow efficiency

Question 27

Prevents collision with the gantry through safety locks and emergency stop features.

Answer 27

Patient safety

Question 28

Accurate table motion ensures precise slice thickness and spacing; Any error in table movement causes artifacts (e.g., stair-step or misregistration artifacts).

Answer 28

Image quality