CT Scan Modes & Scanner Types -CAP Computed Tomography (CT) utilizes ionizing radiation and detectors, to form cross sectional images that can be reconstructed to produce a systematic representation of projected data of the region of interest (Goldman 2007). Currently, the use of third generation multi slice CT (MSCT), is clinically widely used to diagnosis patients. There are various CT scanner types and modes, which have varying physical properties and characteristics, each with its associated benefits and disadvantages (Van Straten et al. 2007). Nevertheless, all are still required to comply with certain practices/protocol guidelines. Upon initial presentation of request forms, as seen in Figure 1, it is often difficult to decipher the most appropriate approach to best demonstrate and diagnosis the required region of interest. This report will provide a general synthesis of single slice sequential mode, single slice helical mode and multi slice helical mode CT scanners, as well as discussing the most appropriate method to proceed in regards to a patient with a head injury. Request cards a frequently received with vague clinical indications. This makes it difficult for radiographers to determine the best method to proceed with to find potential pathological causes. In this case, the different reconstruction of window settings and algorithms are required to focus upon soft tissue and bone. Acquisition of a Single Slice CT (SSCT) Scanner using Sequential Mode Sequential mode scanning using a single helical scanner utilizes the step and shoot technique, whereby the continuous process of translating the table in the z-direction, then scanning in the axial plane is repeated until the required region is covered, as seen in Figure 2... ... middle of paper ... ... scans due to the reduction in dose. Despite some drawbacks of MSCT, such as the inability to perform all scans using the gantry tilt, resulting in an increase in dose to orbits, it does in fact compensate for this due to its reduced scan duration, and high image quality obtained. This is especially useful for brain trauma situations whereby the rate of diagnosis can predetermine the prognosis and outcome of a patients health. The use of multiple rows of detectors allows for the acquisition of volumetric data sets, at various thicknesses and intervals without rescanning the patient further benefits the reduction of dose radiated to the patient. Furthermore, the ability of MSCT to obtain high quality images, and differentiate structures of different density is the main reasons as to why MSCT is preferred over SSCT, and thus its prevalent use in modern day diagnosis.