Week 5 - Entry 2

 Radiology Modalities

X-Ray

X-Rays involve the use of ionizing radiation to create images of internal body structures, especially bones. A typical X-Ray procedure takes about 10-15 minutes and may involve taking multiple images from different positions. This type of imaging is used to diagnose bone fractures, infections, osteoporosis, arthritis, breast cancer, digestive problems, and identify and locate swallowed items. 

CT Scan

CT Scans also use ionizing radiation, but they take a series of X-Rays used to create cross sections of your internal body structure. This could include cross sections of bones, blood vessels, and other soft tissues. These scans also tend to take only about 10-15 minutes. They are used to diagnose bone fractures, tumors and other cancers, heart disease, vascular disease, and injuries from trauma.

MRI

MRIs use magnetic waves instead of ionizing radiation to create detailed images of orans and other tissues i
n the body. An MRI takes between 45-60 minutes. During that time you will lay on a table that slides into the MRI machine. MRIs are used to diagnose multiple sclerosis, aneurysms, strokes, spinal cord disorders, tumors, joint and tendon injuries, and blood vessel issues.

Ultrasound

An Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs and other structures inside of the body. This procedure takes between 30-60 minutes and involves a technician applying a gel to your skin, then using a small probe pressed against the skin to capture images of the inside of the body. Ultrasounds are used to diagnose blood flow problems, joint inflammation, genital and prostate issues, breast lumps, gallbladder disease, and are also used to monitor pregnancy.

PET Scan

A PET Scan utilizes radiotracers, which are radioactive drugs, and a scanning machine to show how your tissues and organs are functioning. This procedure taken between 1.5-2 hours and involves swallowing or injecting the radiotracer. After this step you will enter a PET scanner which will read the radiation given off by the radiotracer that has been ingested or injected. PET Scans are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, coronary artery disease, seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.