You’ve been to visit your doctor or specialist, and they have referred you for more tests. These may be diagnostic imaging scans at a Diagnostic Imaging Portland facility and also a Portland Diagnostic Mammogram.
Most people know what a basic x-ray is, as these are commonly taken for childhood sprains and broken bones.
Here is a simple explanation at what is involved in the most common diagnostic imaging modalities…
X-ray takes a picture of a body part by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation. It’s much more common these days for the digital capture of images, where sensors are used instead of photographic film, and the images are instantly uploaded into a computer. Diagnostic x-ray images are most often used to assess bones and the lungs.
CT is more commonly known as a CAT scan. It combines the clever technology of x-rays with advanced computer technology, to create “slice” images across the body. “Slices” are usually one centimeter thick. CT scanning is fast and sometimes an injection is needed.
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, doesn’t use any radiation at all. A strong magnetic field is used instead to look at the body’s tissues.
Mammography is an x-ray of the breasts, and is currently the best method of screening for breast cancer. Most mammography now is digital, which gives better images and lower exposure to radiation.
Ultrasound is a radiation-free imaging method which uses high frequency sound waves to look at body tissues. The test provides real-time imaging of the inside of the body.
Nuclear Medicine is different in that it’s used to look at the function of the body, and to understand the cause of disease. It is used for diagnosing tiny fractures in bones, identifying tumors, looking at organ functions; and assessing neurological conditions.
Search online for “Diagnostic Imaging Portland”, to learn more about the tests you have been referred to have.
Most people know what a basic x-ray is, as these are commonly taken for childhood sprains and broken bones.
Here is a simple explanation at what is involved in the most common diagnostic imaging modalities…
X-ray takes a picture of a body part by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation. It’s much more common these days for the digital capture of images, where sensors are used instead of photographic film, and the images are instantly uploaded into a computer. Diagnostic x-ray images are most often used to assess bones and the lungs.
CT is more commonly known as a CAT scan. It combines the clever technology of x-rays with advanced computer technology, to create “slice” images across the body. “Slices” are usually one centimeter thick. CT scanning is fast and sometimes an injection is needed.
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, doesn’t use any radiation at all. A strong magnetic field is used instead to look at the body’s tissues.
Mammography is an x-ray of the breasts, and is currently the best method of screening for breast cancer. Most mammography now is digital, which gives better images and lower exposure to radiation.
Ultrasound is a radiation-free imaging method which uses high frequency sound waves to look at body tissues. The test provides real-time imaging of the inside of the body.
Nuclear Medicine is different in that it’s used to look at the function of the body, and to understand the cause of disease. It is used for diagnosing tiny fractures in bones, identifying tumors, looking at organ functions; and assessing neurological conditions.
Search online for “Diagnostic Imaging Portland”, to learn more about the tests you have been referred to have.
