Positron Emission Tomography (PET) CT Scan They’ll speak to you using a microphone and speakers.ĬT scans are typically more expensive than x-rays and aren’t always readily available at rural or small hospitals. Your technologist performing the test will sit in a different room with computers that will display the images. You lie on a sliding table that slides you in and out of this tunnel as the machine rotates around you and produces cross-section images of your body. A CT machine looks like a big box with a tunnel inside its center. You may have a contrast dye injected into your blood so the doctor can see your body structures more clearly on the CT scan.Ī CT scan creates detailed, quality images of bones, blood vessels, soft tissue and organs and may be used to help the doctor diagnose medical conditions such as:ĬT scans are also used to detect tumors, and to evaluate lung or chest problems. It’s a more powerful and sophisticated x-ray that takes a 360-degree image of the spine, vertebrae and internal organs. They occupy the same area as gamma-rays on the EM spectrum.Ī CT scan generates high-quality, detailed images of the body. Hard x-rays have wavelengths of approximately 100 picometers (picometers are one-trillionth of a meter) wavelengths.Therefore they can be placed in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum between gamma-rays and ultraviolet (UV) light. Soft x-rays have fairly short wavelengths of approximately 10 nanometers (nanometers are one-billionth of a meter).There are two primary types of x-rays - soft and hard. However, it generally only takes a few minutes. The x-ray’s length will depend on which part of the body the doctor is examining. However, they have used them too for detecting types of cancer, pneumonia and other developing conditions. However, they are the most used tool for evaluating an orthopedic issue and are usually available right there in the doctor’s office.ĭoctors often use x-ray scans for diagnosing broken bones. Images from x-rays might not be as detailed as those produced with sophisticated methods. It might also help with needle placement into a joint when injecting medication or removing fluid. This procedure, also referred to as an “ arthrogram,” helps outline the joint’s soft tissue structures. In some circumstances, you might have a contrast dye injected into a joint while you’re getting x-rays. They’re usually written to a CD for a computer screen view or developed from x-ray film. X-ray sessions usually don’t take more than 10 minutes. If you fractured only one limb, the doctor might want to take an x-ray of the limb not injured to compare both. You’ll likely have positioning at several angles during your x-ray procedure. Physicians use x-rays for diagnosing and assessing: While the machine sends the radiation briefly through your body, you need to stay still. The doctor will position the part of your body for scanning between the digital x-ray sensor or photographic film and x-ray machine. While limited exposure to radiation from x-rays isn’t harmful, if you’re pregnant, the doctor will take special precautions. The less dense tissues are hard to see and appear gray. They are a form of radiation, and when passing through your body, bone and other dense objects block the radiation and look white on the film of the x-ray. Even if you require more sophisticated body scans, it’s likely you’ll receive an x-ray first. X-rays are the most used diagnostic imaging test and are widely available.
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Knowing the differences between x-rays, CT scans and MRI tests can help ease your mind when you know what to expect. Still, it can be helpful to get an understanding of how they each work and their common uses. You might be anxious about having these tests performed, but diagnostic imaging scans are generally painless and non-invasive. Your physician may order one test or multiple tests. Three common types of imaging devices are x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) tests. Most individuals have had at least one medical imaging test. Each imaging test uses different technology to create images that help your doctor identify certain medical complications. There are several types of these imaging tests that help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and choose the ideal treatment plan. When doctors need to see what’s happening inside your body, they often have you get a diagnostic imaging test. Please find your nearest location on our locations page to call/schedule an MRI, CT, Ultrasound, or X-ray.
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