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(HealtNewsDigest.com) – Technology continues to make doctors’ lives easier, and it improves the care given to patients. Imaging tools are one of the most useful tech doctors use today, and there are many variations. Below are a few of the more popular imaging tools used by medical experts. However, there are many more that fill a need.
1. CT
CT scans – also referred to as CAT scans – are often seen in movies and television. That’s because they’re one of the more popular imaging tools used by medical professionals. If a doctor needs to find out if something is wrong with the brain, this is the test they use on TV or in a movie. This is partly correct, but the truth is CT scans can also provide images of organs in the body as well as bones and blood vessels. A doctor can use these images to look for damaged bones, injuries to the organs, or issues with your circulatory system. Doctors can also use these scans to look for active tumors in the body.
2. MRI
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, and it’s another scan you’ve probably heard of. When it’s referred to on TV or movies, folks talk about how these devices attract metal. A person can’t wear jewelry and other types of metals when the machine is in use. It’s because the tool uses a large magnet to get the images the doctor needs. The device also uses radio waves to provide images of the organs and other structures in the body.
Doctors have been using these reliable machines to diagnose tumors or injured ligaments within the body. It’s a must-have machine, so be sure to learn more about MRI machine cost than other imaging tools before choosing what to get for your clinic.
3. Ultrasound
Another popular device used by medical professionals is the ultrasound machine. Everyone’s heard of this device at some point. Health care professionals use it all the time to tell a happy couple if they’re expecting a baby. These devices can even tell couples if they’re having a boy or a girl. What folks may not know is that ultrasound machines are more versatile than that. These devices examine organs and the way they’re working. This is all possible due to the machine’s high-frequency sound waves to produce images within the patient’s body. One reason some love this imaging machine is that it doesn’t use ionizing radiation. Other imaging tools use that type of radiation, such as CT scans. Some clients may want to know this fact.
4. X-Rays
Doctors use x-ray machines to see images within the body. These x-rays or electromagnetic waves are very precise, but they expose the patient and technician to some radiation, like CT scans. The bones absorb the most radiation because of calcium. Hopefully, the doctor doesn’t have to perform this test multiple times. The good thing is you can protect other parts of the body from radiation exposure with a led apron and other led protective gear.
A doctor may need an x-ray to check on fractures in the bones since bone images are quite clear with this tool. X-rays can also help doctors see pneumonia. During treatment, the radiation is no different from the natural radiation one may experience in 10 days of nature. This may give patients some peace of mind.
5. Fluoroscopy
A fluoroscopy isn’t as common as the other types of imaging tools mentioned earlier, but it can be quite helpful. These devices create a little x-ray movie. This means the patient will experience radiation for a more extended period. The patient might develop burns when going through this procedure, but sometimes, it’s necessary.
Health care professionals will use this device to help them examine the gastrointestinal tract or help guide a catheter insertion through the blood system, which is pretty delicate work. If the doctor needs to place devices within the patient’s body, this device ensures the placement is perfect. Doctors cannot afford to make a mistake when placing a device within the body, so exposing their patients to this much radiation is reasonable.
Imaging tool variations might feel overwhelming, but each one serves a purpose. It just means the doctor can proceed with his or her work with more knowledge. Choose the machines that will best work for the care you provide to patients. Each machine will last a while as long as you provide maintenance when needed.