A Patient's Introduction to Medical Imaging

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• Modern healthcare utilizes several different
  kinds of medical imaging tests that allow doctors
  to examine injuries, diagnose patients, and
  determine effective treatments for their
  ailments. The type of injury or condition a
  patient is suffering, the location of the injury,
  and other similar factors determine which kind of
  medical test a physician will use.

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• X-rays use targeted radiation to capture an image
  of the inside of a patients body.
• The patient typically lies down on an x-ray bed
  or stands in front of a scanner, and will often
  be asked to wear a lead apron.
• Xrays are typically used to diagnose bone and
  lung abnormalities as well as many other
  problems.
• A mammogram is a type of x-ray specifically used
  to diagnose breast cancer.

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• During an ultrasound, a technician or doctor uses
  a device known as a transducer to capture images
  inside a patients body. The transducer emits
  sound waves that bounce off the patients
  internal tissue unlike x-rays and CT scans,
  ultrasounds do not use ionizing radiation.
  Ultrasounds are used to examine unborn fetuses,
  as well as diagnose problems with the kidneys,
  heart, blood vessels, and other organs.

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• An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is taken
  when a patient lies on a bed that is inserted
  into an imaging machine, which uses heavy magnets
  and large doses of radio waves to look inside the
  body.
• Like ultrasounds, MRIs do not use any ionizing
  radiation.
• MRIs are used to diagnose torn ligaments, brain
  and spinal column injuries or tumors, and issues
  with the internal organs.

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• Also known as a CAT scan, CT (computed
  tomography) scans are similar to x-ray exams. CT
  imaging targets a specific area of the body and
  creates detailed images of slices of the body,
  used to detect broken bones, abdominal issues,
  cancer, and internal bleeding.

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• During a nuclear scan, patients are injected with
  small amounts of a radioactive agent (in some
  cases, the radioactive material will be put in a
  drink or inhaled), after which a special camera
  will be used to take pictures of their internal
  organs. The radioactive material helps the bodys
  interior show up better in the scans, which are
  used to examine the functioning of the heart and
  lungs, as well as diagnose cancer, infections,
  and thyroid problems.

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• The risks involved with medical imaging tests are
  rare, but are still worth noting
• While x-rays and CT scans only involve low levels
  of exposure, patients should keep in mind that
  they will be exposed to radiation.
• Pregnant women and people with compromised immune
  systems especially should avoid tests that
  involve radiation as much as possible.
• Some MRI and CT scans require a contrast dye,
  which will have to be injected via IV or ingested
  in a drink. Some patients are allergic to this
  dye, which can cause medical issues.

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• Other possible issues with medical imaging tests
  include
• Because MRIs create a large amount of noise,
  patients may want to ask for ear plugs to protect
  their hearing.
• People with claustrophobia or other issues that
  prevent them from being in closed spaces may also
  have trouble with MRIs.
• Patients should always be active participants in
  their medical treatment. If you are not sure why
  a test is being performed or if it is necessary,
  ask your physician or request a second opinion.

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• MetisMDs board-certified, US-based radiology
  experts provide radiological second opinions to
  patients and providers alike. For more
  information,
• please visit www.metismd.com or call
  1-800-695-8191.