Medical imaging technology includes X-rays, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and medical thermography. Different methods are better for diagnosing various medical conditions. Ultrasound is safe and effective for assessing soft tissue and fetal progress. Nuclear medicine uses radioactive isotopes to treat and diagnose certain conditions. Radiologists specialize in medical imaging and may perform minimally invasive procedures.
Different types of medical imaging technology include standard X-rays, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and medical thermography. Some methods of medical imaging technology are better than others at diagnosing various medical conditions. For example, a conventional x-ray is not effective in assessing soft tissue condition. X-rays are very effective, however, in evaluating broken bones or other bone abnormalities. Traditional x-rays use ionizing radiation and can, over time, contribute to some types of cancer.
Another type of medical imaging technology, known as ultrasound, uses sound waves to capture images of soft tissue and surrounding structures. Obstetricians often use ultrasound technology to assess the progress of a growing fetus because ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and is considered a safe alternative to traditional X-rays. Radiation can be harmful to an unborn baby and can also contribute to birth defects.
Ultrasound is considered very safe and no preparation is needed before the test. Sometimes however, depending on what is being scanned, the patient may be required to drink large amounts of water before the test. This is done so that the bladder can fill and move. An empty bladder can sometimes obscure other organs, while a full bladder enlarges and leaves room for the technician to capture optimal images for the clinician to interpret.
Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging technology that uses radioactive isotopes to treat and diagnose certain medical conditions. The nuclear medicine technologist has completed a course in nuclear medicine and who administers the test and also monitors the patient for adverse or allergic reactions to the radioactive material or contrast agent administered prior to the test. Nuclear medicine tests are effective in diagnosing gallbladder, thyroid, and heart conditions.
Medical imaging technology students learn anatomy and physiology as well as how to administer various imaging procedures. Additionally, educational requirements range from a certificate program to postdoctoral degrees. Most colleges, universities, and some trade and professional schools offer medical imaging programs. For advanced medical imaging technology degrees, course prerequisites include biology, chemistry, and algebra, and jobs can be found in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and clinics.
A doctor who specializes in medical imaging technology is called a radiologist. Interventional radiologists often perform minimally invasive procedures, such as placing tubes in the kidneys or bile ducts, and perform angiograms and angioplasty. These heart tests involve using X-rays to guide a catheter into the femoral artery to check for blockages in the cardiovascular system.
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