SNC2
MEDICAL IMAGING
TECHNOLOGY
Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic tests provide information
about the structure and function of
organs, tissues, and cells.
Medical imaging produces
images of organs and tissues
within the body for use in
diagnosis and treatment.
Producing Images of
Organs and Tissues
Medical imaging allows doctors to
see within the human body so that
they can diagnose and treat
diseases. There are several
important medical imaging
technologies including X-ray,
ultrasound, computed tomography
(CT) scan, magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), positron emission
tomography (PET), and biophotonics.
X-Ray - The most common
form of medical imaging.
An X-ray is high-energy radiation
that can easily penetrate materials
such as skin and tissues but cannot
easily penetrate metals and bone.
A radiograph is produced when X-
rays pass through the body to
produce an image. X-rays are
absorbed by dense structures
such as bone, the bones appear
whiter than other structures
X-Ray
Radiographs can be used to check
for cancer and to diagnose problems
in the cardiovascular and respiratory
systems.
Using X-rays to image the body
is quick, virtually painless, and
non-invasive.
X-Ray
X-ray is high-energy radiation, and it
can cause changes and mutations to
DNA. When a radiograph is taken,
parts of your body may be covered
with a protective lead apron because
X-rays cannot penetrate certain
thicknesses of lead.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a technique that uses
a continuous beam of X-rays to
produce images that show the
movement of organs, such as the
stomach, intestine, and colon, in the
body
Fluoroscopy
The patient may be
required to ingest a
contrast liquid, such as
barium or iodine, to
help the doctor see the
organ clearly.
Fluoroscopy is also used
to study the blood
vessels of the heart and
the brain. The image is
called an angiogram.
In a coronary angiogram, a special
dye is injected into an artery in the
groin. This dye enables doctors to
visualize the blood flow. A cerebral
angiogram shows any blockages in
the blood vessels in the brain, which
can lead to a stroke.
Radiotherapy
In addition to using X-rays to see
structures in the body, X-rays are also
used to treat cancer.
This type of therapy is known as
radiotherapy.
The X-rays damage the DNA and
either kill the cancer cells or
prevent them from multiplying.
During radiotherapy, a beam of X-rays
is directed at a tumour so that there is
minimal damage to healthy normal
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging uses high-
frequency sound waves to
produce images of body tissues
and organs.
A transducer produces the sound
waves that enter the body and are
reflected back to the transducer by
internal body structures. This
reflection makes an image of the
body structure, which is recorded on
Ultrasound
Can be blurred by gases
Used to study soft tissues and major
organs in the body as sound waves
cannot penetrate bone.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is used during
pregnancy to study the
developing fetus.
If an amniocentesis is required
the ultrasound is used to guide
the needle to the amniotic fluid
to gather a sample.
Amniocentesis can detect Down
syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and
spina bifida.
Ultrasound is also used in
the diagnosis of heart
problems.
Computed Tomography (CT) /
Computer Assisted Tomography
(CAT)
Computed Tomography (CT) /
Computer Assisted Tomography
(CAT)
Uses X-ray equipment to form a
three dimensional image from a
series of images taken at different
angles of the body
Used to diagnose cancer,
abnormalities of the skeletal
system, and vascular diseases.
Computed Tomography (CT) /
Computer Assisted Tomography
(CAT)
CT can be used to image bone, soft
tissue, and blood vessels at the
same time.
This test is relatively quick, causes
no pain, and can provide detailed
information. A CT of the head can
readily detect bleeding in the brain.
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
uses powerful magnets and radio
waves to produce detailed images of
the body.
The magnet in an MRI machine
produces a strong magnetic field that
interacts with the hydrogen atoms.
A combination of the magnetic field
and different radio frequencies makes
it possible for a specialized computer
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
MRI is useful for imaging the
structure and function of the
brain, heart and liver, soft
tissues, and the inside of bones.
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
It is also used to diagnose forms
of cancer, brain diseases, and
cardiovascular conditions. An MRI
machine is about the size of a car
and looks like a hollow cylinder.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses
radioisotopes to provide
images of how tissues or
organs function by attaching
a radioisotope to a chemical
that is absorbed by certain
organs. As the radioisotope
emits radiation, a special
camera and computer detect
the radiation and convert it
into an image
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose
cancer, investigate blood circulation,
and evaluate disorders in organs.
Radioisotopes are also used to
treat disease. (thyroid, prostate
and breast cancer)
Positron Emission
Tomography (PET)
A type of nuclear medicine where a
patient is given a radioisotope that
emits particles called positrons.
PET is used most often to detect
cancer in tissues or to examine the
effects of cancer treatments. PET is
also used to detect heart disease
and some brain disorders, such as
Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.
Positron Emission
Tomography (PET)
PET may be combined with a CT
scan to produce cross-sectional
images
Biophotonics
Biophotonics imaging uses the
interactions of light with cells and
tissues to diagnose and treat
abnormalities.
Light shines on cells, the particles of
light are scattered by atoms in the
molecules of the cells. A special
imaging device records these scatter
patterns. The molecules in abnormal
cells create different scatter patterns
than normal cells. Doctors are able
to view tissues deep within the body
using light.
A endoscope can be used to view
areas inside the body during
surgery
Questions to Answer– Hand
in
1. What is medical imaging?
2. Name and describe the most
common form of medical imaging.
3. Explain how a transducer is used
in the process of ultrasound.
4. Compare and contrast the
technologies of X-ray and ultrasound.
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