The use of modern technology dominates western medicine. These machines allow physician to make fast and more precise diagnoses. One machine in particular, the Computed Tomography (CT) scan has revolutionized modern medicine. The usefulness of CT scan in modern medicine will be further explored below. The CT scan is a machine that uses 360-degree x-ray beam and computer to produce images that allows for cross-sectional views of body organs. Hage and Atkins indicated that the CT scan debuted in the 1970s; however, it was not until the 1990s when the machine became more affordable that the use of the CT scan become more popular. The affordability of the machine has turned it into a hot commodity in all modern hospitals and even outpatient services. …show more content…
Olson emphasized on the advancement of medicine from the use of leeches and bleeding people to relieve them of evil humor to the current use of modern machines, such as the CT and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. Olson explained that while modern medicine is fascinated with the CT scan, there are other technology such as the PET scan that can provide even greater detail than the CT scan. Using the CT scan in combination with PET scan can allow radiologist to differentiate between a mass, which is visible under CT scan or a specific tumor, which can be seen using a PET scan (Olson). Based on the information provided by Olson “a PET scan can show the level of a tumor. It can be used for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and some heart diseases. Combined with the CT scan, it's tremendously valuable" …show more content…
In order for CT scan to compute relevant images, ionizing ration must be used. People who are exposed to radiation are at a higher risk of developing cancer. Consequently, physicians must work diligently to minimize the amount of radiation that patients are exposed to. In order to so, there are several steps that clinicians can take. The steps are as indicated: the referring physician should be asked to justify the need for the radiation exposure; when an alternative to non-ionizing tool can be used, it should be used instead of CT; previously done images should never be repeated, but instead the results should be obtained to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure; education of referring clinicians, radiologist and the performing technicians regarding radiation doses; ensure scanner settings and parameters set to ensure lowest dose to achieve diagnostic images in all age ranges ( Stoodley and Phillip p.135). If these steps are followed, radiation exposure can be reduced while providing modernize care to patients. CT scan has positively changed modern medicine, despite the negative impact of radiation exposure that is associated with it. The advantages to using CT scan as explained above exceeds the disadvantages. It can be concluded that CT scans will continue to be used in modern medicine until a better machine that can provide the
160. This is quite a significant jump from 1987, when the NCRP Report No. 93 stated that a mere 11% was attributed to “medical imaging with ionizing radiation.”1 (pp169-170CT) In 2012, Kyle Morford and his colleagues reported that “over the past decade CT has increased from 4% to 11% of all diagnostic imaging studies.”2 (p45) This increase in number of scans come with an increase in patient dose. When a chest CT is performed, a patient gets a dose of 8 mSv. When a radiographic exam of the chest is done in two projections, the dose is around 0.02mSv. Of course, there are patient factors and contrast administration to consider, but the difference between the two modalities is roughly 400% increase.3 (p705) Knowing this, why is shielding not practiced in computed
Healthcare has evolved tremendously over the last few decades. Technology, being one of the biggest impacts has reached new heights and has advanced our learning and knowledge to places unimaginable. Many different modalities take place in the health field to ensure the greatest treatment for everyone with improving outcomes. Three modalities that have enhanced and have taken special roles in 3-D imaging include, CT scans, MRI, and Ultrasound; each with their own advantages and disadvantages. These modalities all require training, are cost effective, and take a specific amount of time to obtain all the necessary information. These same modalities have different traits regarding the use of radiation, contrast, evidence
According to The Yale School of Medicine, in 2012 4 million pediatric CT scans were performed. The American College and Dose Index Registry has made it their goal to “track and categorize the radiation given by CT scanners in U.S hospitals.” The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging is stressing, “one size does not fit all” (Goske, 2008). In order to reduce pediatric radiation dose during CT scans without reducing image quality one should “child-size the amount of radiation used, scan only when necessary, scan only the indicated organ and refrain from using multiphase scanning” (Goske, 2008).
Dr. Foster and the radiology team recognized that employing the new CT scanners in the previous process flow would not optimize utilization. Therefore, a reconstructed process flow is required to maximize the efficiency of the increased scanning capacity of the CT scanners in a way that corresponds to demand. Sheer utilization of the new CT scanners is inadequate without the implementation of an improved process. In order to maximize the decreased scanning time, elements of the non-scanning process must be reduced to cut expenses, eliminate bottlenecks, and maximize return on investment. To reduce time spent on non-scanning processes, the layout of the CT scanning area configuration must be altered to reduce the time currently need to gather patients, move them to the CT scanning room, as well as other steps in the process. Furthermore, attempting to shift the sequential task of the process to a more parallel
A health professional positions you on a table for the test. The table slides into the machine, which is designed like a big ring. Images are taken of your body while you're inside the machine, although you probably won't have a full-body scan. Instead, your doctor may focus on the head, chest, or abdomen. A CT scan isn't painful or difficult to endure. You'll have to stay still until the procedure is over so the pictures come out clear.
If you’ve never heard of a PET-CT scanner, you’re not alone. PET-CT scanners are integrated scanning devices that combine images from a positron emission tomography (PET) scan with a computed tomography (CT) scan. When the scans are performed at the same time and with the same machine, they produce detailed pictures of tissues and organs that also reveal any abnormal activity. With a PET-CT scan, doctors can identify cancers and determine their stage.
The modern PET scanner is only a more recent advancement in medicine’s attempts at internal body imaging. This branch of science, with applications pertaining to medical research and disease diagnosis, can be traced back to 1895; when Wilhelm Roentgen discovered the x-ray.
CT scanning is one of the most widely used digital imaging techniques, and it has many benefits. Though a CT scan typically costs more than an ultrasound, it is more sensitive in picking up soft tissue, blood vessels, and bone simultaneously, making it the preferred
Authors of the article “Computed Tomography – An Increasing Source of Radiation Exposure” commend the diagnostic advantages of computed tomography (CT), but declare there is evidence and concern of the discipline’s overuse in various patient populations, especially pediatrics. Of the “more than 62 million CT scans per year,” almost 16% of these exams are performed on children (David & Hall, 2007, para. 1). The article’s title and abstract clearly pinpoint the dilemma. With the rising number of CT procedures, the authors cause for concern is three fold: radiation doses received by the patient, cancer risks tied to ionizing radiation exposure and potential for latent effects in the general public (David & Hall, 2007). Unfortunately, the article’s abstract is lacking as it did not summarize what methodology is utilized or state a conclusion of the author’s findings.
Have you ever had an X-ray? What about an ultrasound or a MRI? If you have, you have been exposed to one of healthcare’s most innovative technologies. All these tests come together to form the field of Medical Imaging. Medical imaging refers to the different technologies that are used to view the human body to observe, diagnose, and/or treat medical conditions. Medical imaging has played a major role in medicine for over the past one hundred years. Throughout this essay you will discover Medical Imaging and its huge impact on the health field.
The efficacy of diagnostic imaging resembles a double-edged sword in the medical industry. A radiographer trained to image a patient correctly must use all knowledge to keep the radiation level at its lowest and safest level to produce the best quality image possible; however, the radiation level still has an effect on the patient that can go unseen by the naked eye. Ionizing radiation produced by x-ray, gamma rays, alpha & beta rays, can have an effect on cellular structure and its reproduction process, as well as its DNA, the coding system to cellular life. The amount of damage can depend upon the type of ionizing radiation, its energy and the total amount of radiation absorbed by radiosensitive
Computed tomography, commonly known as CT or CAT scan, is a painless, non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses a specialized form of X-ray coupled with computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (slices) of soft tissue, organs, bone and blood vessels in any area of your body.
Human body is so complicatedly designed that even a minor issue in an internal organ or organ system can lead to very major consequences for the patient to bear both physically as well as mentally. But with the increase in advancements in science and technology, medical science has reached to extremes for finding out the solutions to every problem faced in the treatment of health problems or any problem faced in the surgeries or operations. When surgeons faced the problems of not being able to see the inside picture of the various parts of the bodies then x-ray techniques were invented out of which chest X-ray is known to be the most important one. Actually a chest X-ray is known to be very fast and painless
Diagnostic radiology has evolved into being the foundation of medical institutions across the nation; yet, with more and more pediatric patients needing a radiographic image, there are greater risks of calamities. Shortly after the 20th century X-ray scare was resolved, hospitals nation-wide used the state-of-the-art machine to diagnose broken bones, teeth snags, infections, and even certain cancers. Along with new medical standards and safety measures, followers of Wilhelm Röntgen (the inventor of the X-ray) discovered the properties of X-radiation (Hart 48-50). Being close to gamma rays on the electromagnetic spectrum, X-radiation fully penetrates the human body, and since they are produced from a changing nucleus, they are able to affect and change the nucleus (cells) of the absorbing matter (Cancer 1-4; Burrill (2) 59-62). Oftentimes, the radiographer will not line up the machine correctly with the organ, tissue, or bone in question and, therefore, will tell the patient they must retake the image. One X-ray of the midsection is equal to three full days of background radiation (Hart 50). Radiologic technologists do not keep records of patients’ prior radiation exposure so it is up to them to discuss (with a general practitioner) and know their limits (Choy 88). A
How each modality works to create an image of internal body structure? How surprising the imaging of the human body? Specifically, the radiology has the power to capture images without cutting skin. In daily lives, people are facing many challenges about mental and physical. Many scientists invention many machines to help the people to live well. Medical science is the best accomplishment in the world to assist people and live well. As well, Professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first discovered X-rays in 1895. After his invention day by day radiology has become improved. Then, in every decade it spreads it’s various kinds machines such as ultrasound machines, Magnetic Resonance Imaging machines (MRI), CT-Scan, mammogram machines. All kinds of machines have their specific functions to find out the internal problems and help to get rid of from them. Therefore, radiology is the greatest invention of the scientist to help people a healthy life.