Medical Imaging

Question 1

What is the compromise doctors have to make when imaging someone?

Answer 1

They want to get a good image whilst keeping the patient at the lowest risk possible

Question 2

Are ultrasounds safe? Why?

Answer 2

Yes they are non-ionising

Question 3

Are x-rays ionising? What do x-rays cause? Who can’t you use them on?

Answer 3

They are ionising

They can cause cancer if you’re exposed to too high a dose, and are not safe to use on developing babies

Question 4

Do CT scans produce more X-ray radiation than an X-ray image? Why is that good/bad?

Answer 4

CT scans use a lot more radiation so the patient is exposed to lots more ionising radiation.

Question 5

What are ultrasound images like? Why is this good/bad?

Answer 5

They are usually fuzzy which can make it harder to diagnose conditions

Question 6

What are X-ray images like? Why is this good/bad?

Answer 6

Produce clear images of bones and metal but not a lot else

Question 7

What are CT scans images like? Why is this good/bad?

Answer 7

Produce detailed images and can be used to diagnose complicated illnesses as the high resolution images can make it easier to work out the problem. They can be used in the planning of complicated surgery.