Radiological Procedures By: Tori Melerine
CT Scans
Description Also known as a computerized tomography scan which combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles Uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body Provide a more detailed information than regular X-rays
Physician’s Orders Physician may order a CT scan to: Pinpoint the location of a tumor Detect internal injuries and internal bleeding Guide procedures such a surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy Quickly examine people who have internal injuries from trauma
Costs and Results Costs vary between state and hospital Average cost is anywhere from about $300 to $4,000 Used to look for detailed images of body parts
PET Scans
Description Also known as positron emission tomography which is an imaging test that helps reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning Uses a radioactive drug called a tracer
Physician’s Orders May be used over other x-rays because it shows how organs and tissues are working Include scans of the brain, breast and heart Checks brain function, diagnose cancer, heart problems and brain disorders Shows poor blood flow of heart
Costs and Results Cost varies depending on additional costs Average cost is around $7,000 to $10,000 Used to look for diseases in the body
MRIs
Description Also known as a magnetic resonance imaging, a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves Creates detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body Creates cross-sectional images
Physician’s Orders Often used for images of the brain and spinal cord Can also take images of heart and blood vessels to diagnose problems such as inflammation or blockage Can test for abnormalities of internal organs such as the liver and spleen Also used to evaluate bone and joint disorders
Costs and Results Average cost is usually around $1,000 to $3,000 Used to look for problems and gives information about structures in the body that can’t be seen with other scans
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