What is the increment measurement often used alongside slice thickness in very fine CT scans?

In very fine CT scans, the increment measurement is typically set to 2-3 mm. This increment is crucial as it determines how closely the slices overlap during the imaging process, which directly influences the quality of the reconstructed images and the ability to visualize small anatomical structures.

Using an increment of 2-3 mm allows for a balance between image resolution and scan time. It ensures that sufficient data points are collected to create high-resolution images while preventing excessive scan time that could lead to patient discomfort or motion artifacts. When the increments are closer together, it produces more detailed information, which is particularly important when diagnosing conditions requiring high precision, such as in oncology for tumor detection and localization.

Using increments that are too large may result in missed details between slices, potentially obscuring important diagnostic features. Therefore, the choice of 2-3 mm increments is a standard practice that maximizes diagnostic efficacy while maintaining workflow efficiency.