What is the CT number for soft tissue?

The CT number, also known as the Hounsfield unit, reflects the density of tissues in computed tomography (CT). Soft tissue typically has a CT number range that is indicative of its density when measured against water (which has a CT value of 0).

In the case of soft tissue, the CT numbers usually fall between 20 to 80. This range signifies that soft tissues, which are denser than water but not quite as dense as bone, will have positive Hounsfield units. These values help radiologists differentiate between types of tissue based on their density, which is crucial for interpreting CT images accurately.

To summarize the context: soft tissue's CT number reflects a density that is higher than water's baseline measurement of 0, yet lower than denser structures like muscle or bone, thus situating its values typically between 20 and 80. This accurate identification of soft tissue density aids in effective diagnosis and treatment planning in medical imaging.