Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam

The three phases of tissue enhancement in CT imaging are clearly described by the terms bolus, non-equilibrium, and equilibrium phases. During the bolus phase, the contrast agent is rapidly delivered, leading to immediate enhancement of the tissues as the contrast material is distributed within the vascular system. This phase is critical for imaging structures such as arteries and their branches.

Following this, the non-equilibrium phase occurs as the contrast agent begins to leave the vascular space and spread into the interstitial tissues more uniformly. This phase allows for visualization of the enhancement of tissues that are more dependent on perfusion.

Lastly, the equilibrium phase is reached when the concentration of the contrast agent in the vascular compartment and the extravascular space becomes stable, allowing for a clearer assessment of the anatomy and pathology over a more extended period.

These phases are essential in understanding how to optimize imaging for anatomical clarity and disease detection, making this knowledge pivotal for CT technicians.