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In the last one hundred years, medical imaging equipment has become an important part of the diagnostic and healthcare process. Many may not be completely percent clear about what imaging equipment really does to help a patient and doctor in making health care decisions.
The concept of medical imaging is the process used to create images of the body for medical diagnostic purposes. This type of imaging allows a doctor to isolate different parts of the body, including organs, tissues, bones and vessels to see if disease or injury is present and, if so, the best course of treatment for the patient.
Medical imaging can include radiology (such as X-rays), medical resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or Cat-Scan). Each of these medical tests can provide different types of images for the doctor for diagnostic purposes.
Each type of medical imaging test requires a different type of medical imaging equipment. Overall these tests are relatively painless and can be done in a short amount of time.
By the time most people are in their teenage years, they have had an X-ray. This is one of the oldest forms of medical imaging equipment. An X-ray (electromagnetic radiation) is a great way to identify broken bones, review the overall bone structure and skeletal system of the patient. While determining potential bone issues is the most common use of X-ray, this form of imaging equipment can identify soft tissue issues, such as pneumonia and lung cancer on a chest X-ray.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (or MRI) provides detailed internal structure and contrast between different areas of soft tissues. MRI imaging equipment is often used for diagnostic purposes for the brain, skeletal, cardiovascular and cancer imaging. MRI uses a high-power magnetic field, which is why it is important to remove any metal the patient may have on, such as jewelry or watches. It is also important to identify if the patient has any surgical pins or metal plates within the body prior to the scan.
Medical sonography (commonly known as ultrasound) is a diagnostic imaging technique to see muscles, tendons and internal organs. This form of imaging equipment allows for visualization of lesions, cysts and other potential medical issues. Most often, ultrasound is used during pregnancy to check on the health of the fetus. This is a relatively inexpensive test and is portable, which allows for quick diagnosis for the patient.
Computed tomography (CT or "Cat Scan") has been in use since the 1970's and is a useful way to supplement medical diagnostics from X-ray and ultrasound. CT is a great way to identify colon cancer, heart issues, brain and head problems and pulmonary issues.
