256 slice CT scan x-ray tube beam silent quiet

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a user's experience with their first low-dose cardiac CT scan and their observation regarding the sound of the x-ray tube during the procedure. The user expected to hear a high-pitched sound when the x-ray beam was energized but only heard the mechanical sounds of the gantry and cooling fans. Other participants clarified that while x-ray systems typically include audio signals for safety to indicate when the beam is on, these sounds may not be audible from the scanning room. The user compared this experience to other imaging procedures, like chest x-rays, where the x-ray tube's sound is more noticeable. The conversation highlights the differences in sound perception across various imaging technologies and the design considerations for safety in CT scans.
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Just has my first CT scan ever for low dose cardiac scoring.

Held my breath twice with gantry in fixed position and then once again with gantry spinning. I thought I would have heard the high pitched x-ray when beam energized but didn't at all. All I heard was normal fans and the mechanicals of the gantry rotating. This was a 256 slice unit. I requested the best the hospital had. Shouldn't I have audibly heard the x-ray tube energized during beam on?

Any thoughts ?
 
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Request a copy of the file so you can look at it at your leisure.
Hopefully it will come with a small viewing program.
 
I'm not sure that an x-ray tube inherently makes enough noise to be heard - particularly over the cooling fans and gantry of the CT.

X-ray systems should have some kind of an audio signal to indicate that the beam is on. This isn't noise from the tube or the rotating anode inside the housing. It's intentionally added to the design along with a visual signal for safety - so that the operators can confirm that it turns on and shuts off as desired and that no one is exposed to any unintentional radiation dose. Chances are, you didn't hear this because it's outside the room, at the operator station.
 
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Very interesting. Ok thank you for that information. I was just thinking of things like chest x-rays and dental, you can hear the scanning/x-ray tube hissing for that fraction of time that it is energized. I think I have seen youtube videos where a camera is left on and you hear a high pitched tube sound.
 

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