A Guide To Medical Imaging

The important field of imaging is seeing innovation and research skyrocket. If you were recommended for imaging, then you might want to know what this experience is like, what risks, if any, need to be considered, and what things your doctor will look for. 

X-Ray 

The medical field has been using X-rays in clinical settings for over 12 years. It involves an energy beam passing through the body. Some of the energy will be blocked by tissues and bones to create a photo of what is inside the body. 

Advantages: Traditional X-rays are comfortable, quick, and non-invasive. 

Disadvantages: A small amount of radiation is used by X-ray scans, which may damage. Your risk for developing cancer is also increased. It is a minor dose. It is thought that you are exposed to the same level of radiation on one chest X-r as a flight over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Common Uses: Used for detecting infections, some cancers, and broken bones.  

Computed Tomography (CT Scan) 

X-rays are used by CT Scans for creating three-dimensional views of the human body. Multiple angles are captured by beams rotating around the patient to get a better view of bones and internal organs. Patients lie on a bed still and are passed through a ring that contains the scanner. For torso scans, you might be asked to place your arms over your head.  

Advantages: A scan can be completed as soon as one minute. Radiologists and doctors can see around parts of your body so risks and subtle indicators can be detected. 

Disadvantages: Slightly higher levels of radiation are produced compared to X-rays, although the amount is still very small. 

Common Uses: For collecting more detailed images of the brain, organs, bones, etc. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scans) 

To conduct the scan, the patient will lie down on a bed that slides into a narrow tube. Radio waves and magnets are used by an MRI scan to produce a reaction in fluids inside the body. The reactions in the body are read by the machine and create three-dimensional images of soft tissues. It can also detect movement in organ function and blood flow. 

Advantages: On soft tissue scans, MRI scans are very effective. Non-ionizing radiation is used by the scan. This is an advantage over CT and X-ray scans. 

Disadvantages: It can be a lengthy process and patients may feel claustrophobic. However, a much larger scanning or bore area is offered by MRI scans snow and imaging is a lot faster than it was in the past, which alleviates some of the anxiety. The patient is required o lie very still for the scan, which makes it difficult to use for children unless a general anesthetic is used. 

Common Uses: Ligament, cartilage, organ, and soft tissue scans. 

Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) 

Before the scan, the patient is administered a radioactive tracer. Like MRI and CT scans, for PET scans, patients lie on a bed that slides through a tube. The tracers interactions inside the body are detected by the scan. 

Advantages: This scan is great for detecting early illness signs. Sugars are often included in the tracer, which is attracted to parts inside the body where there is rapid growth taking place. It is especially effective in detecting cancer and monitoring it. 

Disadvantages: Ionizing radiation is included in the tracer, which can result in cancer. However, a majority of patients who are having a PET Scan done are already receiving cancer treatment, which reduces the concern for inducing cancer. Patients must lie still for a long time, just like with MRI scans.  

Common Uses: To detect cancer and abnormal activities inside the body. 

Ultrasound 

High-frequency sound waves are projected by ultrasound imaging into the body. They bounce back and provide a live view of the bones, soft tissues, and organs inside the body. To evaluate veins and arteries throughout the body, Ultrasound with Dopper is employed. 

Advantages: Usually this type of scan provides a live view, is painless, and non-invasive. No ionizing radiation exposure is required. It is very effective in viewing organs in motion, such as the heart.  

Disadvantages: The image results can be affected by body contents such as water and air. The patient may be required to fast before the scan. The quality of the image will depend highly on the skill of the individual who performs the scan. 

Common Uses: To monitor babies during pregnancy and observe structures and organs in the pelvis, abdomen, and neck. 

Imaging is now used in increasingly more ways. It informs doctors of abnormal activities and helps to ensure that the right treatment is received by patients the first time. Machine learning consultants ensure that doctors are able to get the most out of their medical imaging equipment. Talk to your specialist or doctor if you have concerns about a scan to find out why you were recommended for the scan and what you can expect to happen on the day of the scan.