Practice Test Geeks(ARRT) American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification Practice Test
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Scan Protocols Flashcards

7 cards from real ARRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Scan Protocols flashcards as text

  1. In a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral contrast, positive oral contrast (barium or iodine-based) is used primarily to:

    Answer: Distinguish bowel loops from adjacent masses

    Positive oral contrast opacifies bowel loops so they can be easily distinguished from adjacent lymph nodes, vessels, or pathological masses.

  2. Which approach is used in a split-bolus IV contrast protocol for CT of the abdomen?

    Answer: Two separate injections given at different time points before scanning

    The split-bolus technique delivers two injections at different time intervals so a single scan pass captures both nephrographic and excretory phases simultaneously.

  3. For a trauma CT protocol of the chest, which contrast phase is typically acquired?

    Answer: Portal venous phase

    The portal venous phase (~60–70 seconds post-injection) provides optimal parenchymal enhancement to detect solid organ injuries in chest trauma.

  4. Which of the following scan parameters most directly affects the z-axis (longitudinal) spatial resolution in CT?

    Answer: Slice thickness

    Slice thickness determines the size of the voxel in the z-direction and therefore directly controls longitudinal (through-plane) spatial resolution.

  5. A CT scan for appendicitis in a young female patient of childbearing age should be preceded by:

    Answer: Evaluation for pregnancy and consideration of alternative imaging

    Radiation dose to a fetus is a critical concern; pregnancy should be assessed and ultrasound or MRI considered as alternatives before CT in reproductive-age females.

  6. During a CT angiography of the neck (CTA neck), the scan direction is typically:

    Answer: Caudal to cranial

    CTA of the neck scans caudal to cranial to follow the contrast bolus as it travels superiorly through the carotid and vertebral arteries.

  7. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a test bolus or bolus tracking technique in CT angiography?

    Answer: To determine the optimal scan delay for peak arterial enhancement

    Test bolus or bolus-tracking (SmartPrep/SureStar) determines when contrast peaks in the target vessel so scanning begins at the optimal moment.