The CT Scan uses multiple x-ray beams projected at many angles in conjunction with computer resources to create three-dimensional cross-sectional images. The CT Scan has become an important adjunct to x-rays. The advent of computers in medicine has meant less radiation exposureĪnd shorter study times. The CT Scan evolved from Tomograms multiple x-rays taken at different levels to check the depth of an abnormality. When an x-ray proves inconclusive additional tests may be ordered especially if something suspicious is detected.ĬT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) or CAT Scan was developed in 1970. Problems involving bone and some soft tissue disorders. leg, arm) is severe or chronic and progressive. An x-ray would most likely be performed when spine or extremity pain (e.g. X-ray films are widely used today and are often called radiographs. They are not helpful for looking at soft trauma. Shades of gray mirror the density of the different tissues. A bone abnormality is reflected on the finishedįilm. When the beams meet bone (vertebra) it stops creating a white shadow on the x-ray film.
When the spine is x-rayed the beams pass through the skin and underlying soft tissues (e.g. He used the letter "x" to describe the rays because in Algebra "x" refers to an unknown. Roentgen did not entirely understand these unusual rays. For the first time physicians could see beyond the skin and underlying soft tissues His remarkable achievement radically changed the practice of medicine. In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered the x-ray.
X-Ray is the most common test performed today. Sometimes multiple images might be required to get the exact image you doctor needs to make an informed decision about your health.What is the difference between X-ray film, CT and MRI? The most common BMD scans are on your lower back and hips.įor all of the scans I mentioned, your technologist (the person administering the test) will guide you through the process.
In a bone mineral density scan, special x-ray machines called bone densitometers measure the calcium content of your bones, telling you whether your bones are weak (low density) or strong (high density). Telemetry (continuous monitoring in hospital).
Holter Monitor (short term, portable monitor, usually used for 24–72 hours).Bedside test (usually done as a screening tool, or when you’re having symptoms).The monitor then picks up your heartbeat and records it as electrical waves. In this test, thin wires go from a computer or portable monitor to small sticky patches on your chest (called leads). Some doctors also perform “point-of-care” ultrasound scans, which are informal (not always logged or read by a radiologist) but help doctors figure out what might be causing your symptoms and to guide further testing.Īn Electrocardiogram or ECG is a non-invasive scan used to look at the heart. Small parts (thyroid, scrotum, lumps, etc.)įormal ultrasound scans are generally performed by a licensed technician, read by a radiologist, and then discussed with you at your doctor’s appointment.General (abdomen, pelvic, breast, groin).While it’s widely known that ultrasound imaging is commonly used in obstetrics to examine pregnant women, the technology is used in many other ways, including: Unlike x-rays, there is no radiation used. These high-energy waves pass through the body and capture shadows and reflections that are seen on a computer screen in real time. Known in healthcare as medical ultrasound, diagnostic sonography or ultrasonography, ultrasound diagnostic imaging uses sound waves to create an image of internal body structures such as tendons, muscles, joints, blood vessels, and organs. Arthrogram (joint movement using contrast dye).Angiogram (blood flow using contrast dye).Some common types of x-ray procedures include: If you’ve ever broken a bone or gone to the dentist, you’ve probably had an x-ray done. A lot of the time, your x-ray technologist will give you a lead vest to wear, to protect you from over-exposure.
They penetrate body tissues, displaying black and white images that can be seen on a TV monitor. Let’s break down the types of imaging technology used today, and why they’re all equally important.ĭiagnostic x-ray procedures use radiation in the form of x-rays (a form of electromagnetic radiation) to help diagnose disease and injury. Today, diagnostic imaging plays an important role in maintaining and improving your health by providing a view of the human body not seen by the naked eye, before your doctor ever needs to pick up a scalpel. For centuries, doctors had to guess what was going on beneath the skin. These days, there are many ways to medically image your body, inside and out. Question: I’m confused - what’s the difference between an x-ray, MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound? Don’t they all do the same thing?