What is Medical Imaging? Tyldesley

Medical imaging is the process of creating pictures and images of parts of the body to assist doctors with examination and diagnosis. Images are created using painless techniques without the need to cut open the body. Medical imaging covers many disciplines and is used by most areas of the healthcare sector. In recent years the development of computer technology, twinned with advances in 3D medical imaging systems, has meant a growing use of new and ever more advanced image reconstruction and display.

Four main types of medical imaging are reviewed in this article: x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic image resonance (MRI) and CT scans. Each is used for different reasons and play pivotal roles in the early detection of diseases, diagnoses, and making the correct decision regarding treatment. There are many other, less common types of medical imaging, including nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy, mammography, digital vascular imaging, PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography) etc. but these are not reviewed below. 

The x-ray 

An x-ray involves exposing a selected area of the body to ionizing radiation, which is absorbed by the body in varying degrees. Bones absorb radiation well and appear as clear, light-coloured structures, whereas soft tissue absorbs less well and appears as grey, indistinct patches. The x-ray machine is programmed to fire a short burst of radiation at the selected area of your body, which is placed on top of photographic film or a special image recording plate. This is where the shades of light and dark are recorded. A lead apron can be used to protect other parts of the body from exposure...

Profile of the author: This article on MRI scan is written by Jackie Griffiths, a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical articles for national and international journals, newsletters and web sites.

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