Diagnostic Techniques Flashcards
Explain the principles and use of PET scanning and give an advantage and disadvantage.
PET scanning is used to produce 3D images of inside the body and is often used to help diagnose cancer.
Flat bed with a large circular scanner at one end.
Before the scan, radioactive substance is passed through body, usually through injection.
This gives of gammer waves (radiation) detected through PET scan.
Tracking movement of the tracer builds up detailed image of body functions.
Explain the principles and use of an X-Ray and give an advantage and disadvantage.
X-ray is used to produce images of inside the body, it’s carried out by a radiographer.
Electromagnetic radiation, high frequency so can pass through human body.
Lay on table or stand flat positioned between X-ray machine and photographic plate. As the X-ray hits the plate it will capture an image which is transferred to the computer.
+ safe and painless
- radiation may damage body, lead to cancer.
Explain the principles and use of the CT scan and give an advantage and disadvantage.
A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of inside the body including internal organs, bones and tumours.
Lay on your back on a flat bed. Consists of an x Ray tube which rotates around the body and your usually moving continually through this rotating beam.
X-rays received by detector on opposite side of body image will no produced through computer.
+ painless/more detailed then X-ray
- exposed to radiation
Explain the principles and use of radionuclide scanning and give an advantage and disadvantage.
Radionuclide scan indicates how strongly your heart lumps and shows the flow of blood.
A small amount of radioactive substances called isotope is injected into your blood.
A camera is then placed close to your chest and it picks up radiation transmitted by the isotope which passes through your body highlighting areas with poor blood supply.
+ painless
- requires a large supply of expensive chemicals.
Explain the principles and use of a MRI scam and give an advantage and disadvantage.
The MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radios ages to produce detailed images of inside the body.
The patient will lie flat on the bed which is then moved into the scanner, which is controlled using a computer.
The scan usually lasts between 15-90 mins depending on the areas being scanned.
+ produces 3D image
- patients may feel anxious in an enclosed machine.
Explain the principles and use of an ultrasound scam and give an advantage and disadvantage?
Ultrasound scan is a procedure using high frequency sound waves to produce images of inside the body such as the heart.
Waves penetrate through soft tissue.
Gel is put on area being scanned.
Transducer then placed on patients skin.
Requires receiver that detects sound waves so connected to computer which processes data and creates image which will show abnormalities.
+ no radiation
- cannot penetrate bone
What is a tissue biopsy?
Tissue biopsy involves taking a sample of living tissue from the body for examination under a microscope.
Insert a needle into the tissue.
Needle captures tissue which is then extracted and analysed.
What is an electrocardiogram?
Records electrical activity of heart.
Small metal electrodes stuck to arm legs and chest, wires from these electrodes are connected to the ECG machine.
Machine detects and amplifies electrical impulses that occur each heartbeat and records them on to computer.
It shows abnormal heart rhythms
A heart attack
An enlarged heart.
How would you take a blood sample how is it analysed?
A GP would place a cuff around the area I’m order to show a vein, they would wipe the area with antiseptic before inserting the needle and drawing the blood.
Blood samples show if the patient taken drugs if there anaemic, there haemoglobin levels and iron.
