Medical Diagnostic Tools PDF
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This document provides an overview of various medical diagnostic tools, including X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, radioisotopes, and PET scans. Each method is described, highlighting its uses and limitations. The document effectively explores the different techniques used in modern medical imaging, offering details about each, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
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Medical Diagnostic Tools I. X-Ray I. X-Ray producing a photograph (2 dimensional) using short waved x-rays Useful for viewing solid objects in the body (ex. teeth and bones) Disadvantage: limited radiation exposure II.Ultrasound produces images of so...
Medical Diagnostic Tools I. X-Ray I. X-Ray producing a photograph (2 dimensional) using short waved x-rays Useful for viewing solid objects in the body (ex. teeth and bones) Disadvantage: limited radiation exposure II.Ultrasound produces images of soft internal structures using high frequency sound waves, which can create an image called a sonogram (ex: image of fetus in womb) non-invasive Can be completed in minutes II. Ultrasound Disadvantages Can create grainy image Not effective with dense tissue III. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) III. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) A dye is injected to improve contrast and create a clearer image Involves a chamber, which houses a powerful magnet Uses magnetic field and radio waves Produces a detailed image of the area being scanned (brain tumors/ spinal cord/ knee injuries) III. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) III. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Disadvantages can be loud (jack hammer) tight chamber--claustrophobic expensive MRI vs. X-Ray IV. CT Scans IV. CT Scans involves using x-rays Allows the body area to be scanned at hundreds of angles Creates a 3D image Disadvantage: limited radiation exposure V. Radio- isotopes V. Radio- isotopes V. Radioisotopes involves taking advantage of a certain elements half-life (time it takes for half an isotope to decay to a nonradioactive form) Can be detected by various scanning devices V. Radioisotopes Useful in treating or detecting disease, blood disorders, cancer also used to check kidney function, determine blood hormone levels and bone densities Disadvantage: limited radiation exposure V. Radioisotopes VI. PET Scan VI. PET SCAN (positron emission tomography) Uses radiation to produce 3D image Provides information about tissue & organ metabolism Commonly used to detect cancer, brain disorders, and heart disease VI. PET Scan VI. PET Scan VI. PET Scan Ex: Huntington, Parkinson disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer disease Disadvantage: limited radiation exposure VI. PET Scan (Tumors)
