Diagnosis and Medical Imaging Technology SNC2D

Diagnosis The interdependence of our organ systems can sometimes make it difficult to pinpoint the source of a medical problem. The interdependence of our organ systems can sometimes make it difficult to pinpoint the source of a medical problem.

Diagnosis Doctors are trained to look for symptoms that are characteristic of specific problems. Doctors are trained to look for symptoms that are characteristic of specific problems.

Diagnosis The interdependence of our organ systems can sometimes make it difficult to pinpoint the source of a medical problem. The interdependence of our organ systems can sometimes make it difficult to pinpoint the source of a medical problem. Doctors are trained to look for symptoms that are characteristic of specific problems (e.g. swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of infection). Doctors are trained to look for symptoms that are characteristic of specific problems (e.g. swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of infection).

Tools of the Trade To collect information about what’s going on inside the body, doctors may use devices like the stethoscope (to listen to the heart and lungs)

Tools of the Trade To collect information about what’s going on inside the body, doctors may use devices like the stethoscope (to listen to the heart and lungs) and a sphygmomanometer (to measure blood pressure).

Tests of the Trade Doctors may also order tests of material collected from the body (such as blood and urine) which may be analyzed by a separate lab.

Tests of the Trade Doctors may also order tests of material collected from the body (such as blood and urine) which may be analyzed by a separate lab. E.g. Blood may be tested to determine the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, sugar, and hormones – the chemicals that carry messages through the body to regulate the functioning of organs.

Medical Imaging Technologies Diagnostic imaging tests can provide doctors with even more information: an actual visual picture of the structure and functioning of organs. However, these technologies are often expensive, and the effectiveness of each technology is limited by its properties.

Endoscopy An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that has a bright light and a video camera that can be used to image the digestive tract, as in a colonoscopy.

Endoscopy

Thermography In thermograms, infrared light cameras are used to diagnose problems with circulation. NormalRaynaud’s syndrome NormalRaynaud’s syndrome

X-Rays X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation that can easily penetrate soft tissues but cannot easily penetrate bone.

X-Rays X-rays are used to check for cancers (e.g. mammograms), to diagnose problems in the circulatory and respiratory systems, and to check for broken bones. They are quick, painless, and non-invasive but exposure to x-rays can damage cells and increases cancer risk.

Body Scanners Note that this is also true for the body scanners that are used at airports, especially the new “naked body scanners.”

Body Scanners Since the radiation emitted by these body scanners is absorbed at the level of the skin, it is your skin cancer risk that is most increased – and the scans cannot find anything concealed in any body cavity.

Body Scanners Since the radiation emitted by these body scanners is absorbed at the level of the skin, it is your skin cancer risk that is most increased – and the scans cannot find anything concealed in any body cavity. Also, like most x-rays, they do not show contrast that may be used to identify soft materials (like plastics and chemical explosives).

Body Scanners Since the radiation emitted by these body scanners is absorbed at the level of the skin, it is your skin cancer risk that is most increased – and the scans cannot find anything concealed in any body cavity. Also, like most x-rays, they do not show contrast that may be used to identify soft materials (like plastics and chemical explosives). In other words, they’re completely ineffective.

Computed Tomography Computed tomography (CT) scans, also called computer-assisted tomography (CAT) scans, use x-rays to produce images at different angles through the body so that a 3D image can be constructed.

Computed Tomography CT scans may be used to diagnose cancers, skeletal abnormalities and vascular diseases (affecting blood vessels). But since CT scans use x-rays, they also increase your cancer risk.

Fluoroscopy Fluoroscopy is a technique in which a continuous beam of x-rays is used to produce moving images. It is used to show movement in the digestive system (which may require ingestion of a high- contrast liquid such as barium) and the circulatory system (angiograms).

Ultrasound Ultrasound is high-frequency sound waves produced by a device called a transducer that are reflected back to the transducer by internal body structures.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound Ultrasound is used to study soft tissues and organs, especially the heart (echocardiograms) and especially during pregnancy. Because the presence of gas can distort images, ultrasound is not often used for imaging the respiratory or digestive systems.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses strong magnets and radio waves that interact with the hydrogen atoms in your body (esp. in water). A computer is used to construct an image from the signal received from the atoms.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI is used to image the structure and function of the brain, heart, soft tissue, and the inside of bones; to diagnose cancers, brain diseases, and problems with the circulatory system. But it is also extremely expensive and the availability of machines/technicians is limited.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) PET scans are a type of nuclear medicine is which a patient is given a radioisotope that emits positron radiation; the radioisotope is attached to a chemical absorbed by certain tissues or organs. It is used to detect cancers, heart disease, and some brain disorders (such as Alzheimer’s).

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