Radiologic Technology Specialties PDF

SPECIALTIES IN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY Sonography  Ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique used for visualizing subcutaneous body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and organs for pathology or lesions.  Ultrasound  Diagnostic ultrasound – 2 to 18 MHz  Lo...

SPECIALTIES IN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY Sonography  Ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique used for visualizing subcutaneous body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and organs for pathology or lesions.  Ultrasound  Diagnostic ultrasound – 2 to 18 MHz  Low frequency (1-6 MHz) - produce less resolution but penetrate deeper  High frequency (7-18 MHz) – produce high resolution but lower penetration Sonographers  Diagnostic medical professionals who operate ultrasonic imaging devices to produce diagnostic images, scans, videos, or 3D volumes of anatomy and diagnostic data. Fluoroscopy  Provides a live-action view of the interior body  Image-intensifier o device that electronically brightens and enhances the image and transmits it to the monitor Digital Imaging  Enhances images of the body and has the ability of post-processing  Two types ◦ Computed Radiography ◦ Direct Digital Radiography Computed Tomography  Produces 2-D and 3-D cross-sectional images of an object from flat x-ray images CT-Scan Technologist  Operate CT-Scan machine  Explain procedure to the patient  Immobilize and observe the patient during procedure  Monitor video display of area being scanned and improve image quality  Review and evaluate CT-Scan images  Use radiation safety measures and protection devices Magnetic Resonance Imaging  MRI, NMRI, or MRT  Is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures using nuclear magnetic resonance property  MRI machine uses a powerful magnetic field to align the magnetization of some atoms in the body, and radiofrequency fields to systematically alter the alignment of magnetization. MRI Technologist  Performs the prescribed examination  Explain the procedure and positions the patient  Should answer any questions from the patient  Monitor the safety of the patient and be prepared to perform emergency procedures  Assist the patient  Prepare the equipment and proper settings for image acquisition  Must follow hospital procedures for recording images with the patient’s record for doctors to evaluate Nuclear Medicine  Provides information about both structure and function and treat disease with the use of radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear Medicine Technologist  Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals  Perform imaging procedures using radiation-detecting instruments  Accomplish computer processing and image enhancement  Analyze biologic specimens in the laboratory  Provide images, data analysis, and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation  Obtain patient history, describe the procedure to the patient and answer any questions  Monitors the patient’s physical condition during the procedure Positron Emission Tomography (PET)  Uses a radiopharmaceutical agent injected in the circulatory system to image the area of interest for the evaluation of anatomic and physiologic condition of an organ. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)  is a nuclear medicine tomographic imaging technique using gamma rays.  It is very similar to conventional nuclear medicine planar imaging using a gamma camera. However, it is able to provide true 3D information.  This information is typically presented as cross-sectional slices through the patient, but can be freely reformatted or manipulated as required. Bone Densitometry  Bone densitometry is a test like an X-ray that quickly and accurately measures the density of bone. It is used primarily to detect osteopenia or osteoporosis, diseases in which the bone's mineral and density are low and the risk of fractures is increased. Radiation Therapy  Medical use of ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control or kill malignant cells. Radiation Oncology  Medical specialty concerned with prescribing radiation, and is distinct from radiology, the use of radiation in medical imaging and diagnosis. Treatment  Curative  Palliative Precise Treatment depends on the following:  Tumor type  Location  Stage  General health of the patient Total Body Irradiation – TBI  Radiation therapy technique used to prepare the body to receive bone marrow transplant Brachytherapy  Radiation source is place inside or next to the area requiring treatment.  It minimizes exposure to healthy tissue during procedures to treat cancers of the breast, prostrate and other organs. Teletherapy  Radiation source is place at a particular distance from the area to be irradiated.  Also known as External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) Orthovoltage  X-rays ranging from 100 kV to 500 kV Grenz Rays  X-rays with low voltage and penetration History of Radiation Therapy  Emil Grubbe – first American physician to use x-rays to treat cancer in 1896  Marie Curie – discovered radioactive elements in 1898 (radium and polonium)  Mid-1900s – cobalt and cesium units where used  1940s – Linear Accelerators  Godfrey Hounsfield – invented CT-Scan in 1971  IMRT – Intensity-modulated radiation therapy  IGRT – Image-guided radiation therapy tomotherapy Radiation Therapist  Assist radiation oncologists  Expose specific area of the patients body to radiation  Positions the patient for treatment  Monitors the patient during the procedure  Maintain very strict procedures for safety  Records patient’s treatment accurately  Should communicate effectively  Should be compassionate Mammography  Process of using low-energy x-rays to examine the human breast and is used as diagnostic and a screening tool. Mammographer  Equipment adjustment  Patient positioning  Providing adequate radiation protection Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)  Allows for the total management of a patient’s case.  DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications) used for blending PACS with other imaging modalities “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4