Diagnostic Imaging Procedures

Question 1

Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan)

Answer 1

Imaging technique that is able to produce a cross-sectional view of the body. X-ray pictures are taken at
multiple angles through the body. A computer then uses all these images to construct a composite cross-
section

Question 2

Contrast Studies

Answer 2

Radiopaque substance is injected or swallowed, X-rays are then taken that will outline the body structure containing the radiopaque stubstance

Question 3

Doppler Ultrasonography

Answer 3

Use of ultrasound to record the velocity of blood flowing through blood vessels. Used to detect blood clots and blood vessel obstructions

Question 4

Fluoroscropy

Answer 4

X-rays strike a fluorescing screen rather than a photographic plate, causing it to glow. The glowing screen changes from minute to minute; therefore movement, such as the heart beating or the digestive tract moving, can be seen

Question 5

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer 5

Use of electromagnetic energy to produce an image of soft tissues in any plane of the body. Atoms behave differently when placed in a strong magnetic field. When the body is exposed to this magnetic field, the nuclei of the body’s atoms emit radio-frequency signals that can be used to create an image

Question 6

Nuclear Medicine

Answer 6

Use of radioactive substances to diagnose diseases. A radioactive substance known to accumulate in certain body tissues is injected or inhaled. After waiting for the substance to travel to the body area of interest, the radioactivity level is recorded

Question 7

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer 7

Image is produced following the injection of radioactive glucose. The glucose will accumulate in areas of high metabolic activity. Therefore, this process will highlight areas that are consuming a large quantity of glucose. This may show an active area of the brain or a tumor

Question 8

Radiology

Answer 8

Use of high-energy radiation X-rays, to expose a photographic plate. The image is a black-and-white picture with radiopaque structures such as bone appearing white and radiolucent tissue such as muscles appearing dark

Question 9

Ultrasound (US)

Answer 9

Use of high-frequency sound waves to produce an image. Sound waves directed into the body from a transducer will bounce off internal structures and echo back to the transducer. The speed of the echo is dependent on the density of the tissue. A computer is able to correlate speed of echo with density and produce an image. Used to visualize internal organs, heart valves, and fetuses