In the world of medical diagnostic imaging, modern advances in imaging technology allow Health Care Professionals (HCPs) to look inside a person’s body through the development of detailed pictures or scans in order to diagnose disease, trauma, or abnormalities within a patient. Computed Tomography (CT), Plain X-rays (Radiographs) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are three of the exams used by HCPs today. CT and MRI can be interchangeable in many instances and both provide more details than a radiograph. Since that is the case, why don’t HCPs just use CT every time? In order to answer that question HCPs must have a thorough understanding of each modality and weigh the pros and cons of each exam in order to determine which one is best …show more content…
(Long, Smith, Rollins, 2016, pg. 5). Since it is a static single dimensional image depicting a view as if you were looking through the body usually more than one x-ray is prescribed. The pros of using plain x-ray for an examination is that it is cheap compared to other modalities. It is the most common exam used in diagnostic imaging, and it is often used as a preliminary exam to determine if more extensive testing is necessary. Just like CT patients are exposed to ionized radiation but at much lower doses than a CT scan, and patients can also have a negative reaction to contrast or dyes which are occasional intravenously injected to improve the image …show more content…
MRI scanners use powerful magnets to create a temporary magnetic field around a patient’s body. Radio waves are transmitted through the body by a transmitter/receiver and a computer captures and converts the feedback into a digital image (FDA, 2016). MRIs are produced by taking multiple sectional images or “slices” and producing a three-dimensional image (Pressman 2016). The MRI technique is the best method to capture soft tissue such as the brain and spinal cord. The best part about an MRI is that it does not require the patient to be exposed to ionized radiation. There are some negative aspects to consider regarding an MRI. According to Pressman (2016) MRIs can take a long time to complete. The patient must lie still for a long time, and movement or metal can cause the image to become distorted. Patients with metal
X-Ray may be a good investigation in both the cases. X-Ray is cheaper than MRI. Unnecessary advice for MRI is not expected from a well-trained American physician like Mr. Harried. A physician should recognize that the high cost of future medical care is one of the main stumbling blocks to the passage of health care reform legislation that would extend insurance coverage to most American who lack it. Dr. Harried should know from experience how people’s health placed at risk when they lack insurance and access to basic, timely care. There is regional variation in the costs of health care. If physicians in higher-cost regions ordered tests and treatments in a pattern similar to that followed by physicians in lower-cost regions then nearly one third of health care costs could be saved without depriving any patient of beneficial care. Each specialty society should enlist “Top Five” diagnostic tests or treatments that are very commonly ordered by the members of that particular specialty, that are among the most expensive services provided, and that have been shown by the currently available evidence not to provide any meaningful benefit to at least major categories of patients for whom they are commonly ordered. The selection panel should include members with
If you are this type of doctor you have to make sure all of the scanning images are very clear and readable. Next, you have to decide which images show the healthiest or pathological areas. Then, you have to observe and read over the results and care of the patient during the scanning procedures and make sure you get the correct data for the right person. They
One of the biggest advantages of MRI equipment is that it can be used to diagnose medical conditions in the heart, breast, bones, spine, and brain. This is the only imaging equipment, which can be used to diagnose issues, in all the above-mentioned parts of the body. The equipment can be used to identify stroke and blockages in the circulatory system, cardiovascular conditions, tumors, and injuries. There is an excellent return on investment in the MRI because of the variety of uses it has in a clinical setting (Keefer, 2011).
One of the main reasons for choosing a healthcare career in todays society, aside from the basic need for a self sustaining income, is the opportunity to make differences in peoples lives. With the demand for healthcare professionals and alternative medicines on the rise, so is the need for adequately educated trained personnel. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures such as x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Accounting for approximately 50,300 jobs in the United States in 2008, compared to the 214,000 jobs held by radiologic technicians, according to
2. The most common X-ray done is a chest X- ray. Most doctors order chest X-rays to diagnose conditions such as broken ribs, heart failure, lung cancer, and pneumonia.
MRI uses the body’s natural magnetic properties to formulate an image of the soft tissues. It does this by using the hydrogen atom nucleus which has a single proton and is a spinning charged particle. The human body is made up of 70% water, which is hydrogen and oxygen. Those hydrogen nuclei (protons) spin inside the body, creating their own magnetic field. They are orientated randomly and cancel each other out when no field is applied.
An MRI uses computer-generated radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce a detailed image of the brain. “MRIs are helpful in the diagnosis of tumors, eye diseases, infections, inflammation, and damage due to head injury” (Hill 2008). When getting an MRI, you lay on a table that slides into a tube, and they use computer-generated radio waves and a very strong magnetic field to see images of the brain. This test will allow the doctor to see two and three-dimensional images of your brain.
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
MRI can also provide images of the cerebellum and determine whether it extends into the spinal canal. An MRI is often used to diagnose Chiari malformation. Since this pain less test is harmless, it can be done more than once, and explain progress with treatments [10]. Computerized Tomography (CT) uses X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of your body. A CT scan can help to reveal brain tumors, brain damage, bone and blood vessel abnormalities, and other conditions [10].
Ultrasound and MRI are devices which are used in medicine. These devices are used to provide patients with a correct diagnosis and treatment. An ultrasound sends sound waves into the body and listens for the sound waves that are bounced back. Whereas, an MRI uses magnetic fields to line up the molecules inside our bodies. The MRI machine is huge and expensive whereas, an ultrasound machine is small and cheap. An ultrasound scanner cannot view through a bone in the body whereas, an MRI can view through the bone. In an MRI, the patient has to remain very still until the procedure ends, while for an ultrasound the radiographer can see what is happening inside the patient, for example, what the tissues do under stress. Ultrasound scanning produce
MRI’s, magnetic resonance imaging, is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form photographs of the anatomy and physiological processes of the body in both disease and health. Those who are more susceptible to use this machine are those who have been directed by a doctor because of some type of health problem they suffer from. According to medical news today, “MRI’s measure brain activity by monitoring blood flow in the brain and a functional MRI can also be used to decide the effects of tumors, stroke, head and brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.”² About 36.7 MRI units have been reported to be used in the United States per million population. This specific technology is important to understand because
Magnetic resonance imaging has the potential of totally replacing computed tomography. If history was rewritten, and CT invented after MRI, nobody would bother to pursue CT. --Philip Drew (Mattson and Simon, 1996)
The MRI is possible in the human body because our bodies are filled with small biological ?magnets?, the most abundant and responsive of these are the protons. The principal of the MRI is that it utilizes the random distribution of protons, which have basic magnetic properties. Once the patient is placed in the cylindrical magnet, the diagnosis process follows 3 steps. First, MRI
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a scan that uses a system of techniques, involving magnetism, radio waves and a computer to generate detailed images of the human body. Essentially, it is a tube encased by a large circular magnet. The patient would be placed on a moveable bed, which is then inserted into the tube. The magnet then creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms. These hydrogen atoms come from the human body, which is 50-65% H2O. These atoms are exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body. As they spin, they produce a slight
The radiograph, one of the most common diagnostic imaging tools utilized in this field, possesses a very important component called contrast. Contrast helps radiologists perceive image detail and glean information from the area of interest. Radiation Technologists, or Rad-Techs, should always ensure that radiographs have the right amount of contrast so that the radiologist can easily read them for faster diagnosis.