Medical Imaging Flashcards
X-Rays
high-energy radiation
goes through skin and soft tissues
but not bone
What are x-rays used to diagnose?
broken bones
cancer
heart and breathing problems
cavities in your teeth
Fluoroscopy
continuous beams of x-rays
shows movement of organs
may require a contrast agent like barium
*uses radiation
What is fluoroscopy used to diagnose?
blood vessel blockage/narrowing in heart and brain
stomach, intestine, and colon issues
Ultrasound
high-frequency sound waves
reflection of waves is used to make an image
*no radiation - SAFE!
What are ultrasounds used to diagnose?
pregnancy/developing fetus
heart problems
helps when taking a biopsy
CT Scans
uses x-rays to make a 3D image
What are CT scans used to diagnose?
cancer, abnormal skeletons, vascular disease
look at bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels at the same time
brain bleeding
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
powerful magnets and radio waves produce detailed images
magnetic field interacts with the water in your body
most sensitive and most expensive!
*no radiation = SAFE!
What are MRIs used to diagnose?
brain, heart, liver, soft tissues, and the inside of bones
cancer, brain disease, heart problems
Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)
a type of nuclear medicine
patient swallows radioisotope that emits radiation
a special camera measures where the chemical is absorbed and an image is created
radiation = some health risk
What are PETs used to diagnose?
cancer, brain disorders (Alzheimer’s, epilepsy)
Biophotonics
uses interaction of light with cells and tissues
no radiation = SAFE!
What are biophotonics used to diagnose
intestine abnormalities
can be used in surgery
