Chapter 1
Radiology
Description
Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses imaging
technology to diagnose and treat disease. Radiology may be divided into two
different areas, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. Doctors who
specialize in radiology are called radiologists.
Medical Imaging Techniques
➢ X Ray
➢ CT Scan
➢ MRI
➢ Mammography
X-Ray
An X-ray is a type of medical imaging that uses radiation to take pictures
of the inside of your body. We often think of X-rays as something providers use to
diagnose broken bones or look at your teeth. But X-ray images can also help
providers diagnose a wide range of injuries, disorders and diseases.
Purpose
X-rays can be used to examine most areas of the body. They're
mainly used to look at the bones and joints, although they're sometimes used
to detect problems affecting soft tissue, such as internal organs. Problems that
may be detected during an X-ray include: bone fractures and breaks.
Requirement
Here are some important requirements for X-rays:
Patient positioning
The correct positioning of the patient is important for the evaluation of the X-ray.
Non-standard positioning can lead to missed diagnoses.
Removing jewelry and metal objects
Jewelry, eyeglasses, and other metal objects can show up on an X-ray, so they should
be removed before the exam.
Undressing
The patient should undress the part of their body being X-rayed, but may be able to
wear a gown.
X-rays are a medical imaging technique that uses ionizing radiation to generate
images of the inside of the body. They are used to diagnose and treat a variety of
conditions, including:
• Bone conditions, such as breaks, dislocations, arthritis, and osteoporosis
• Lung conditions, such as pneumonia and collapsed lung
• Heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure
• Blood vessel problems, such as an aortic aneurysm
• Cancer, such as lung cancer, bone cancer, and breast cancer
• Blockages in the bowel
• Tooth decay
• Foreign objects in the body
CT SCAN (Computed tomography)
A computed tomography scan is a medical imaging
technique used to obtain detailed internal images of the body. The
personnel that perform CT scans are called radiographers or radiology
technologists.
Purpose
Almost everyone is familiar with CT scans, but everyone isn’t aware
of what it is or what purpose it serves. Today, we are going to answer your query
what is the purpose of a CT scan.
A CT scan has the power to detect every kind of joint and bone related problems.
This includes tumors and complex bone fractures.
In case a patient is suffering from a serious condition like heart disease, cancer, liver
masses, or emphysema, it is a CT scan that will help a doctor spot it. They will be
able to see any noticeable change very clearly.
If a patient has undergone a car accident, then the doctors will clearly see any signs
of internal bleeding or injuries.
CT scans help a doctor locate a blood clot, tumor, infection, or excessive fluid inside
the body.
It is because of a CT scan that a doctor can proceed with other procedures and
treatment plans. This includes radiation therapy, surgery, and biopsies.
A doctor will be able to compare CT scans and find out whether or not a treatment
is working properly for a patient. A CT scan of a tumor will continue to show a
doctor whether it is being affected by the correct treatment like radiation or
chemotherapy.
Doctors can check for blockage in a blood vessel or similar issues. A CT scan permits
the doctor to examine blood vessels without performing any serious exploratory
surgery or surgical biopsy. This is crucial for those patients who need diagnosis or
treatment of vascular diseases.
The narrow X- Ray beams that circle around a particular part of the body helps a
doctor see series of different images from various angles. CT scans serve major
purposes in the world of medical treatments In Morristown New Jersey the best CT
scans are done by Radiology Center at Harding.
Requirement
1. Diagnosis of Internal Injuries: To detect injuries to internal
organs, tissues, or bones following trauma.
2. Cancer Detection and Monitoring: To identify tumors, assess
their size, and track their growth or response to treatment.
3. Evaluating Bone Disorders: To detect fractures, bone
infections, and bone density loss.
4. Guiding Procedures: To help in biopsy, surgery, or radiation
therapy.
5. Detecting Blood Clots: Such as pulmonary embolism or blood
clots in the brain.
6. Identifying Infection or Inflammation: Such as appendicitis or
inflammatory bowel diseases.
7. Neurological Conditions: To assess strokes, brain injuries, or
disorders such as tumors or bleeding.
8. Cardiovascular Assessments: To examine blood vessels and
detect conditions like aortic aneurysms or heart diseases.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a test that creates clear
images of the structures inside your body using a large magnet, radio waves and a
computer. Healthcare providers use MRIs to evaluate, diagnose and monitor several
different medical conditions.
Purpose
• Anomalies of the brain and spinal cord
• Tumors, cysts, and other anomalies in various parts of the body.
• Breast cancer screening for women who face a high risk of breast cancer.
• Injuries or abnormalities of the joints, such as the back and knee.
• Certain types of heart problems
• Diseases of the liver and other abdominal organs
• The evaluation of pelvic pain in women, with causes including fibroids and
endometriosis
• Suspected uterine anomalies in women undergoing evaluation for infertility.
What are the side effects of MRI contrast?
On very rare occasions, some people who have contrast material for their MRI
experience side effects, including:
➢ Nausea.
➢ Headache.
➢ Pain at the site of the injection.
It’s very rare to experience hives, itchy eyes or other signs of an allergic
reaction to the contrast material. If you have allergic symptoms, tell the
technologist. A healthcare provider will be available to provide immediate
medical care.
Requirement
➢ Strong Magnetic Field: Typically uses a magnetic field
strength between 1.5T to 3.0T (tesla units).
➢ RF Coils: Specialized coils are used to transmit and receive
radio waves, and there are different coils for various parts of
the body (e.g., head coil, spine coil).
➢ Patient Comfort Features: Since MRI scans can be lengthy
and require the patient to remain still, machines may include
noise reduction, larger bores for claustrophobic patients, and
padding for comfort.
➢ Software Capabilities: Advanced software for processing and
generating high-quality images.
MAMMOGRAPHY
Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to
examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. The goal of
mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through
detection of characteristic masses or microcalcifications.
Purpose
Screening mammogram
Used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or
symptoms. This type of mammogram is usually recommended for women
starting at age 40, and repeated every 1 to 2 years.
Diagnostic mammogram
Used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or
symptom has been found. A diagnostic mammogram can also be used to
evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram.
During a mammogram
A patient’s breast is placed on a flat support plate and compressed
with a paddle. The X-ray machine produces a small burst of X-rays that
pass through the breast to a detector. The images produced are called
mammograms.
How do I prepare for a mammogram?
SCHEDULING : Breasts can be tender the week before and during menstruation,
so try to schedule your mammogram for one to two weeks after your period starts.
If you have breast implants, please notify the office when you schedule the exam.
PRECAUTIONS : If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please check
with your doctor before scheduling the exam. Other options will be discussed with
you and your doctor.
BREASTFEEDING : Please notify the technologist if you are currently breast-
feeding.
PERSONAL HYGIENE : Do not use any deodorant, powder, lotion or perfume on
the day of your exam.
CLOTHING : You must remove your clothing from the waist up and change into
a patient gown. A locker will be provided to secure your personal belongings.
Chapter 2
ICU (INTENSIVE CARE UNIT)
A unit in a hospital providing intensive care for critically ill
or injured patients that is staffed by specially trained medical personnel
and has equipment that allows for continuous monitoring and life support.
Abbreviation ICU. Called also critical care unit .
Types of ICU
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Specializes in the care of premature or ill newborns. NICUs have four levels,
from Level 1 (mildest) to Level 4 (most severe).
Medical intensive care unit (MICU)
Provides around-the-clock care for critically ill patients who require intensive
monitoring and Treatment
Surgical ICU
Serves patients who may be experiencing sepsis, multisystem organ dysfunction, or
other critical care needs.
