Medical Imaging Technology

Producing Images of Organs and Tissues Medical imaging allows doctors to see within the human body so that they can diagnose and treat diseases or ailments. Today we will be looking at different imaging technologies that doctors can use to look inside the human body

X-Ray X-Ray is high energy radiation that can penetrate skin and tissues but that can not penetrate metals and bone X-Ray radiographs can be anaylzed for broken bones, structure of blood vessels and arteries, and lungs abnormalities Associated risks with X-rays: Can cause changes and mutations to DNA  lead apron

Fluoroscopy Uses a continuous beam of X-Rays to produce images that show movement of organs ex. Stomach, intestine, colon. The blood vessels can also be studied, called an angiogram. A dye is injected into the patient, and the blood flow can be seen by the doctor, this will demonstrate any blockages or narrowing of arteries Barium or iodine is ingested in to the patient

Ultrasound high-frequency sound waves to produce images of body tissues and organs. Soundwaves enter the body and are reflected back by internal body structures Study soft tissue and major organs Study developing fetus to check for abnormalities Guides the needle during a biopsy or for amniotic fluid No documented risks

Computed Tomography (CT) CT or CAT using X-ray equipment to form a three dimensional image from a series of images taken at different angles of the body Diagnose cancer, abnormalities to skeletal system, vascular diseases Image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at same time, and is a quick and painless process CT of head can detect bleeding of brain

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body Image structure and function of brain, heart and liver, soft tissues and insides of bones Diagnose cancer, brain diseases, and cardiovascular conditions No documented risks

Biophotonics uses the interactions of light with cells and tissues. Light shines on cells, the particles of light are scattered by atoms in the molecules of the cells. A special imaging device records these scatter patterns. The molecules in abnormal cells create different scatter patterns than normal cells. Use endoscope to explore digestive tract (colonoscopy) endoscopic surgeries require smaller incisions and shorter recovery

Decisions and Diagnosis Factors involved for appropriate treatment: Doctor ordering correct test Patient understanding the reasoning of the test Technician administering the test correctly Proper funding Location

Questions What is an angiogram What are some limitations with the use of X-ray technologies How are x-rays used in the treatment of cancer? What information can be provided by a chest radiograph? A patient is suspected of having bone cancer. Explain whether or not ultrasound is a good imaging tool for diagnosing bone cancer.

Public health strategies Immunization Programs: vaccinations or immunizations: protects individuals and societies as a whole. Influenza, H1N1, mumps, measles, polio, tetanus, rubella, HPV HIV/AIDS vaccine development  over 33 million people are infected with HIV Screening Programs: DNA Screening: identify people who have high risk factors, early detection DNA screen in search of genetic markers which signal disease

Public health strategies Promoting Health Lifestyles: Smoke free environments proper diet, Canadian Food guide, encouraging physical activity, weight control

Public health strategies Promoting Public Awareness: Protecting from sun and reducing skin cancer – sunscreen lotion for UV ray protection, hats, sun glasses, long clothing West Nile virus – minimize exposure to mosquitoes during active periods, remove sources of standing water, DEET Informing public of statistics such as rates of occurrence leads to more public awareness and precautionary measures.

Questions What is the most commonly administered vaccine in Ontario? Define HIV and AIDS and show the relationship between the two terms Explain what might happen to you if you were bitten by a mosquito carrying the west Nile virus Describe some public health strategies used to promote healthy living in Ontario.