Why Diagnostic Imaging is so vital in nowadays medical therapy

Mar 12
06:35

2011

Joanna Gadel

Joanna Gadel

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This article describes why Diagnostic Imaging is showing an upward trend in Australia and the various scans available are a great help to doctors.

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Diagnostic Imaging is the umbrella term used to describe MRI,Why Diagnostic Imaging is so vital in nowadays medical therapy Articles nuclear medicine and ultrasound computed tomography. This sphere of activity specializes in obtaining radiographic images of the human body. Using X-rays, the human body is scanned and accordingly a three dimensional picture of the patient’s body is derived. What makes diagnostic imaging such a valuable asset is its ability to detect anomalies in the human body at a very primitive stage.

 

This helps doctors to nip certain complications in the bud. Diagnostic imaging is a vastly developing field in Australia mainly because of its accurate results which give the neurologists all the information required to treat a particular case and its ability to reduce future medical expenses for patients.

 

Radiologist - The road to becoming a successful radiologist takes up twelve hard years where one has to undergo extensive specialization in medical school. Thereafter comes further training in diagnostic imaging. The main function of a radiologist is to make sense of diagnostic images of patients for strict medical intentions. Radiologists in Australia are given their credentials by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

 

RANZCR - The principal mission of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists is to chart out the guiding principles for instructive methods to be followed by medical institutions, suitable training procedures to be adhered to and the means that  the Australian Medical Council consider appropriate for all kinds of institutions both professional and specialist. RANZCR was officially recognized by the Australian Medical Council in 2002.

 

Radiographers and Sonographers - These are resourceful individuals who have gone through sub specialty Fellowship training and assist radiologists to manage the complex equipment and derive from them satisfactory diagnostic images which would help the referring doctor to analyze the case at hand. They specialize in breast imaging, oncology, musculoskeletal imaging and interventional procedures.

 

After the scan is complete, the radiologist prepares a detailed visual report which consists of the scanned images of the patient’s body. This comprehensive report is then passed on to the referring doctor who alone is authorised to discuss the results with the patient. Hence setting up an appointment after the examination is vital. The X-rays are the sole property of the patient and it should be preserved for future reference.

 

Some Common Scans are important in critical medical therapy:

 

X-ray: In a medical sense, an X-ray is an electromagnetic radiation. The patient is exposed to x-ray particles, known as photons, which pass through the body. The image thus created (in black, white and grey) forms the report which helps doctors detect any outstanding anomalies.

 

CT: A Computed Tomography or CT scan is possible through Tomography which is the means by which a two dimensional image of a section is created by passing it through a three dimensional object called a tomogram. Hence, a better image is produced.

 

Ultrasound: One of the most popular scans in medical history, an ultrasound scan utilises sound waves to create images of the internal workings of a patient. While most popular in the case of pregnancy, it is also used in various other cases as well.

 

MRI: An MRI scan makes use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to obtain an in-depth image of the internal structures of the human body. No ionizing radiation is used unlike an X-ray or a CT scan. It is especially helpful in neurological matters.

 

Mammogram: A Mammogram scan is an X-ray carried out while an instrument is used to apply pressure to the breasts. It has the least amount of radiation and is helpful in detecting early signs of breast cancer.