Medical Imaging Techniques

Computed Tomography (CT) • is an imaging test that helps healthcare providers detect diseases and injuries. It uses a series of X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of your bones and soft tissues. • Recording of a predetermined plane in the body using an x-ray beam that is measured, recorded, and then processed by a computer for display on a monitor DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY • a medical imaging modality that uses sound waves to identify and evaluate soft tissue structures in the human body for disease and pathology. • Visualization of deep structures of the body by recording the reflections of pulses of ultrasonic waves directed into the tissue. breast diseases. It is used as both a diagnostic and screening tool. NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY • Branch of radiology that involves the introduction of radioactive substances into the body for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) • The creation of sectional images of the body that demonstrate the physiologic function of various organs and systems • is a type of nuclear medicine procedure that measures metabolic activity of the cells of body tissues. PET is actually a combination of nuclear medicine and biochemical analysis. IONIZATION • Any process by which a neutral atom gains or loses an electron, thus acquiring a net charge RADIATION • Energy transmitted by waves through space or through a medium • People are exposed to radiation from cosmic rays, as well as to radioactive materials found in the soil, water, food, air and also inside the body. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) • Process of using a magnetic field and radiofrequencies to create sectional images of the body RADIATION THERAPY • Branch of radiology involved in the treatment of disease by means of xrays or radioactive substances MAMMOGRAPHY • Radiography of the breast • An x-ray imaging method used to examine the breast for the early detection of cancer and other RADIOGRAPHY • Making of records (radiographs) of internal structures of the body by passing x-rays or gamma rays through the body to act on specially ENERGY • Capacity to operate or work • The capacity for doing work sensitized film or an imaging plate or system. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST (RT) • General term applied to an individual who performs radiography, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine technology. RADIOLOGIST • Physician who specializes in the use of x-rays and other forms of both ionizing and nonionizing radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of disease RADIOLOGIST ASSISTANT (RA) • An advanced-level radiographer who extends the capacity of the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment, thereby enhancing patient care MADICAL RADIATION SCIENCES What is Radiation? is energy that is transmitted by waves through space or through a medium (matter) What is energy? Is the capacity to operate or work. DiGerent types of ENERGY 1.Potential energy Is the ability to do work by virtue of position. 2.Kinetic energy Is the energy of motion. It is possessed by all matter in motion 3.Chemical energy Is the energy released by a chemical reaction. 4.Electrical energy Represents the work that can be done when an electron moves through an electric potential diOerence (voltage). 5.Thermal energy (heat) Is the energy of motion at the molecular level. It is the kinetic energy of molecules and is closely related to temperature. 6.Nuclear energy is the energy that is contained within the nucleus of an atom. What is Ionization? is any process by which a neutral atom gains or loses an electron, thus acquiring a net charge. SOURCES OF IONIZING RADIATION 1.NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION Results in an annual dose of approximately 3 millisieverts (msv) 2.MAN-MADE RADIATION. Man-made radiation results in 3.2 msv annually. An mSv is the unit of eOective dose. It is used to express radiation exposure of populations and radiation risk in those populations.