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Pros And Cons Of Medical Imaging

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When it comes to medical imaging, there are several different options to choose from for different testing. There are similarities and differences; pros and cons to each. This paper will discuss MRI, CT, and ultrasound. They each have important things to know regarding radiation dose, cost, and reasons to use one over another. MRI provides both anatomic and physiologic information. It is the modality of choice when cartilage, nerves, or organs are of interest. Magnetic resonance imaging does not give off any ionizing radiation. Instead, the magnetic force reacts with the hydrogen in our bodies to show the images. Because of this fact, it is the least harmful to the patient. A major con regarding MRI is the cost. It is one of the pricier …show more content…

The risk to benefit ratio must be weighed before giving a patient that much exposure. “A chest CT typically delivers more than a hundred times the radiation dose of a routine frontal and lateral chest x-ray” (NCBI, 2009). Computed tomography is the method of choice for several issues regarding the head and neck, and chest and abdomen. It is used for trauma to the head or neck, frequently following a car accident. It can be used to look for hydrocephalus, brain bleeds, or even a …show more content…

The prices can vary greatly state to state. Unfortunately, it falls on the patient if it is a scheduled exam to “shop around” to get the best price available to them. Just like the MRI machines, these scanners can run anywhere from $65,000 to 2.5 million dollars. Where CT excels over MRI, is the fact that anyone who has metal in their body that is not removable, can have this scan with no issue. The scan itself is faster, for the patients who may be claustrophobic, this gives them some peace of mind. It also does not produce the loud banging noises that the MRI gives off. The only real contraindication would be any contrast allergies. CT can still be performed without contrast, but the areas of interest won’t be highlighted as well. A typical scan takes about fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on what anatomy is being looked at.
The CT program here at Harper is an additional 16 credit hours beyond the basic radiologic technology

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