introduction to. radiation potentially harmful ray used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
TRANSCRIPT
RADIOLOGYIntroduction to
RADIATION
Potentially harmful ray used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Benefits
Diseases can be detected and diagnosed earlier
Treatment can occur simultaneously while using cameras
Radiation therapy can stop malignant cell growth
Can produce body images on film or a video monitor
Procedures
Produce images that visualize
Bones
Organs
vessels
Via x-rays, sound waves, and magnetic resonance imagining (MRI)
Goals
Produce images of interior body structures for diagnostic purposes
To guide the treatment of injury Treatment of disease
Facilities Hospital Emergency room Nursing units Cardiac catheterization lab Surgery Physician offices Clinics Industry Mobile vans Education
Rapidly Expanding
Knowledge in the visualization of internal body structures
Advancing techniques Development of new equipment
Employee Desirable Characteristics
Warm Compassionate Pleasant personality Ability to work with others Patience Science interest Physical strength Audio, visual, and verbal skills
Radiologist
Physician Interprets x-rays and other diagnostic
tests May specialize in an area of Dx, Tx, or
nuclear medicine Studies the results of each test, comes
to diagnostic conclusions, and sends a report to the ordering physician
Radiologic Technologist
Uses x-rays or a video monitor as an aid to physicians in Dx.
Responsibilities: patient identification
positioning
protecting
adjust exposure
process the film
inspect for quality
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Radioactive compounds Regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission to protect…
patients
workers
environment
Techniques for storing, handling, transporting, using, and disposing of these materials are strictly mandated to minimize risks associated with radiation.
Sonographer
Sound waves (ultrasound) Noninvasive Safe No x-rays or radioactive materials Specialize in cardiac, vascular, or
abdominal areas
Radiation Therapy Technologist
Patients who have been Dx’d with cancer or other malignancies
Administer radiation as a therapeutic measure
Job growth is on the rise
Types of RadiationX-rays – radioactive rays used to photograph or
treat the inside of the body
Nuclear medicine – specialty that tests with radioactive substances
Ultrasound – uses inaudible sound waves to outline the shape of body organs
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a noninvasive technique for visualizing internal organs using powerful magnetic fields
X-ray
Involves the use of radiation that penetrates the skin, muscle, organs, and bones
Radiograph – image produced
- Used to diagnose broken bones or the presence of stones in the gallbladder or kidney
- Sometimes a liquid contrast medium is used to visualize soft tissue organs
Fluoroscopy
X-ray like images in motion on a television monitor
When the area that best shows the internal problem is seen, an x-ray is taken.
CT scan
Combines x-ray scanning with high-speed computer
Visualizes cross-sectional views of the body
- sagittal (left/right)
- transverse (top/bottom
- coronal (front/back)
Standard Angiography
Studies arteries and veins A catheter is maneuvered while a contrast
medium is injected into the bloodstream. Contrast medium illuminates to produce
images on x-ray film and a video monitor. As the heart pumps, the picture
continually changes; detects heart attack
Ultrasound
Sound waves No radiation exposure Produces clear, sharp images of all body
parts Adrenal glands, heart, aorta, gallbladder,
kidneys, liver, uterus, pancreas, pelvis, spleen, and blood vessels
Sonographer uses w/expectant mothers and cardiac catheterization
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging Magnetic field No radiation Especially useful in the evaluation and
diagnosis of aneurysms, congenital cardiac abnormalities, brain and spine diseases, and orthopedic conditions
PET scan
Nuclear imaging technique Detects abnormalities of the brain and
nerves Validates effects of drug usage in the
brain Study neuropsychiatric disorders,
cancer, and coronary artery disease
Mammograms
Diagnostic images of the breasts Early detection of any cancer
(approximately 2 years before a lump is felt)
With early detection, over 90% of breast cancers can be successfully treated
Radiology Advancements
Digital machines, computers, and laser printers are being used increasingly in the radiology department.
The latest equipment makes images clearer and faster.