How does iodine work in CT scans?

Iodine is used as a contrast agent in CT scans to enhance the visibility of internal structures. When injected into the bloodstream or administered orally, iodine absorbs X-rays more effectively than surrounding tissues, resulting in clearer images of blood vessels, organs, and tumors. This contrast helps radiologists distinguish between different types of tissues, facilitating accurate diagnosis and assessment of various medical conditions. Its high atomic number makes iodine particularly effective at improving the contrast in CT imaging.