Medical imaging is a term used to describe a range of technologies that non-invasively create images of different parts of the body for diagnosis and treatment.
These technologies use ‘invisible’ waves, such as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves, to produce images of a patient’s body.
CT Scan
A CT scan creates detailed pictures of organs Bastrop Ultrasound, bones, and blood vessels. It can help your doctor find pneumonia in the lungs, tumors in different parts of the body, and bone fractures.
You lie on a table that slides back and forth inside a doughnut-shaped scanner. The scanner takes many x-rays as the table moves through the opening, creating a series of “snapshots” that are assembled into a three-dimensional picture.
Sometimes a contrast dye is used to make certain parts of the body show up better on the x-rays. This dye may be injected into a vein or taken through a line in the hand or arm.
You should drink lots of fluids before and after the scan to help your kidneys remove the contrast from your body. It’s also important to take your regular medicines as usual. If you have any questions about the CT scan, ask your doctor or radiologist. They’ll tell you about the risks and benefits.
MRI
The MRI machine uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body. Unlike CT, MRI doesn’t mess up the natural chemical properties of your tissues and organs because it doesn’t use radiation.
During your MRI, you lie on a table that slides into the magnetic field of the scanner. You’ll be asked to remove any metal objects, such as wristwatches, keys, or jewelry.
In some cases, a dye (contrast agent) will be injected into your bloodstream to enhance certain tissues that may be visible on the scan. The dye, usually gadolinium, circulates through your blood and is absorbed in specific areas that stand out in the image.
MRI machines produce loud noises, which can be distracting. You may be given earplugs or music to drown out the noise.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a type of medical imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine your internal organs. These waves travel through your body, bouncing back and forth to create real-time pictures.
The ultrasound machine directs the sound waves toward the area being studied, then records and displays them on a monitor. The computer works by calculating the loudness (amplitude) and pitch of the sound wave, as well as the time it takes for each reflected sound to return to the transducer.
Before the ultrasound is performed, a technician may apply a special gel to the area being examined. This helps remove air from the area, which allows the sound waves to travel directly to and from the transducer.
Diagnostic ultrasound is used to view internal parts of the body and to detect abnormal masses, such as tumors. It can also be used to guide doctors during procedures, such as needle biopsies. It can also help diagnose soft tissue diseases that do not show up well on X-rays.
X-Ray
X-rays use small amounts of radiation to create Bastrop medical imaging that doctors can then use to diagnose health conditions. However, they also produce radiation that can be harmful to some people, such as a pregnant woman.
During an X-ray, you’ll lie on a flat table while a technician takes pictures of your body. This can take a few minutes and will depend on how much of your body needs to be viewed.
Conclusion
X-rays show bones as white and other soft tissue in shades of black or gray. Bones appear white because the x-ray beam is harder to pass through them than other materials, such as fat and muscle.
