Introduction to

RADIATION  Potentially harmful ray used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Benefits  Diseases can be detected and diagnosed earlier  Treatment can occur simultaneously while using cameras  Radiation therapy can stop malignant cell growth  Can produce body images on film or a video monitor

Procedures  Produce images that visualize Bones Organs vessels Via x-rays, sound waves, and magnetic resonance imagining (MRI)

Goals  Produce images of interior body structures for diagnostic purposes  To guide the treatment of injury  Treatment of disease

Facilities  Hospital  Emergency room  Nursing units  Cardiac catheterization lab  Surgery  Physician offices  Clinics  Industry  Mobile vans  Education

Rapidly Expanding  Knowledge in the visualization of internal body structures  Advancing techniques  Development of new equipment

Employee Desirable Characteristics  Warm  Compassionate  Pleasant personality  Ability to work with others  Patience  Science interest  Physical strength  Audio, visual, and verbal skills

Radiologist  Physician  Interprets x-rays and other diagnostic tests  May specialize in an area of Dx, Tx, or nuclear medicine  Studies the results of each test, comes to diagnostic conclusions, and sends a report to the ordering physician

Radiologic Technologist  Uses x-rays or a video monitor as an aid to physicians in Dx.  Responsibilities: patient identification positioning protecting adjust exposure process the film inspect for quality

Nuclear Medicine Technologist  Radioactive compounds  Regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to protect… patients workers environment Techniques for storing, handling, transporting, using, and disposing of these materials are strictly mandated to minimize risks associated with radiation.

Sonographer  Sound waves (ultrasound)  Noninvasive  Safe  No x-rays or radioactive materials  Specialize in cardiac, vascular, or abdominal areas

Radiation Therapy Technologist  Patients who have been Dx’d with cancer or other malignancies  Administer radiation as a therapeutic measure  Job growth is on the rise

Types of Radiation X-rays – radioactive rays used to photograph or treat the inside of the body Nuclear medicine – specialty that tests with radioactive substances Ultrasound – uses inaudible sound waves to outline the shape of body organs Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a noninvasive technique for visualizing internal organs using powerful magnetic fields

X-ray  Involves the use of radiation that penetrates the skin, muscle, organs, and bones  Radiograph – image produced - Used to diagnose broken bones or the presence of stones in the gallbladder or kidney - Sometimes a liquid contrast medium is used to visualize soft tissue organs

Fluoroscopy  X-ray like images in motion on a television monitor  When the area that best shows the internal problem is seen, an x-ray is taken.

CT scan  Combines x-ray scanning with high- speed computer  Visualizes cross-sectional views of the body - sagittal (left/right) - transverse (top/bottom - coronal (front/back)

Standard Angiography  Studies arteries and veins  A catheter is maneuvered while a contrast medium is injected into the bloodstream.  Contrast medium illuminates to produce images on x-ray film and a video monitor.  As the heart pumps, the picture continually changes; detects heart attack

Ultrasound  Sound waves  No radiation exposure  Produces clear, sharp images of all body parts  Adrenal glands, heart, aorta, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, uterus, pancreas, pelvis, spleen, and blood vessels  Sonographer uses w/expectant mothers and cardiac catheterization

MRI  Magnetic resonance imaging  Magnetic field  No radiation  Especially useful in the evaluation and diagnosis of aneurysms, congenital cardiac abnormalities, brain and spine diseases, and orthopedic conditions

PET scan  Nuclear imaging technique  Detects abnormalities of the brain and nerves  Validates effects of drug usage in the brain  Study neuropsychiatric disorders, cancer, and coronary artery disease

Mammograms  Diagnostic images of the breasts  Early detection of any cancer (approximately 2 years before a lump is felt)  With early detection, over 90% of breast cancers can be successfully treated

Radiology Advancements  Digital machines, computers, and laser printers are being used increasingly in the radiology department.  The latest equipment makes images clearer and faster.