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There are many different types of medical imaging equipment and each can help diagnose a different type of medical issue.
X-ray (also known as X-radiation) is one of the oldest forms of medical imaging equipment. X-Rays are used to help identify issues with bones, such as breaks and fractures. The X-ray was first developed in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen.
In recent years, there has been concern over the amount of radiation emitted by X-rays. Medical X-rays are a source of manmade radiation exposure, accounting for 58% in the United States in 1987. However, since most radiation exposure is natural, accounting for 82%, medical X-rays only account for 10% of total American radiation exposure, according to the NCRP (US National Committee on Radiation Protection).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a form of non-invasive medical imaging equipment. MRI is most often used to identify medical issues related to the brain, abdomen, blood vessels, skeleton and heart. It has been used as a key part of medical diagnostic medicine since 1977.
MRI uses a strong magnetic field to create three-dimensional imaging. As a result, it is very important the patient having the MRI test not have any metal on them, including jewelry, hearing aids, body piercings or metal surgical pins or metal plants within the body. Additionally, patients that have internal medical equipment, such as pacemakers and cochlear implants, should not have an MRI due to the magnetic risk. If a patient is unsure if they have metal in their body, they should discuss it with their doctor prior to having the test done.
A CT scan (also known as a "CAT scan" or Computerized Axial Tomography) was developed in 1975. CT medical imaging equipment can see soft tissue within the body. Unlike an X-ray, a CT only uses one beam of radiation. Similar to an X-ray, a CT scan still emits radiation, however, the images CT imaging equipment can provide for diagnostic medial purposes, often greatly outweighs risk of a small amount of radiation exposure that occurs when the test is completed.
Through the use of different diagnostic imaging equipment, diseases are identified sooner and treated with greater success, ultimately providing a longer and better quality of life many had just decades ago.
