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Chapter 32

Diagnostic Imaging

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Radiation Safety

• Powerful, dangerous– Harmful to fetus

• Dosimeter

• Lead aprons

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X-ray Machine

• Three main parts – Table, tube, control panel

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Contrast Media

• Radiopaque

• Radiolucent

• Types– Barium sulfate

– Iodine compounds

– Air

– Carbon dioxide

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Patient Preparation

• Proper preparation essential

• Positioning the patient– Basic views

PA View of Hand >>

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Fluoroscopy

• Views internal organs in motion• Contrast medium given

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Diagnostic Imaging

• Positron emission tomography (PET)– Uses computer and radiopharmaceuticals

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Diagnostic Imaging

• Computerized tomography (CT)– Radiation beams produce cross-sectional images

– Noninvasive

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Diagnostic Imaging

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)– Noninvasive

– Cylinder-shaped machine contains electromagnet

– Three types of MRI machines >>

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Diagnostic Imaging

• Flat plates– Plain films

• No special technique or contrast medium

• Ultrasound– High frequency sound waves used to image

– Transducer emits sound waves

– Oscilloscope displays visual picture

– Noninvasive

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Diagnostic Imaging

• Mammography– Highest resolution and contrast

– Fully regulated by the U.S. government

– Digitalization

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Diagnostic Imaging

• Filing films and reports– Part of patient’s permanent record

– Store in special envelopes in a cool dry place and in the electronic medical record

– Property of hospital/facility

– Written report by radiologist sent to patient’s physician

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Radiation Therapy

• General use to treat tumors– Inaccessible for surgical treatment

– Shrinks tumor

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Stereotactic Radiotherapy

• Beams of radiation from different directions meet at a specific point

• Uses computerized imagery

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Nuclear Medicine

• Radioactive compounds (radionuclides) used for:– Diagnosis

– Therapy

– Research

• Uses a camera and nearby computer