Radiology

Radiology is the medical specialty in which physicians use advanced non-invasive imaging techniques to examine the body’s internal organs and structures. The doctors who use these tests are called radiologists. The techniques they employ are used to diagnose and treat disorders of nearly every part of the body and are sometimes used in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, surgical procedures.

Types Of Imaging Tests

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a fast, painless imaging technique that produces immediate images of the internal organs through the use of high-frequency sound waves. Also known as a sonogram, this test is used to help doctors diagnose many medical conditions, such as thrombotic disorders, and to evaluate fetal growth and health during a pregnancy.

An ultrasound is a noninvasive, simple procedure that can produce images of the soft tissues, which often do not show up well on X-rays. There is no ionizing radiation used during this procedure and there are no serious side effects are associated with it.

X-Ray

An X-ray is an imaging exam that is a fast and easy way to produce images of bones and various internal organs. X-rays can be used in conjunction with orthopedic surgery to ensure that a fracture or other injury has been properly aligned, and can assist in the detection and diagnosis of abnormalities in the chest organs, including the heart and lungs. X-rays may be followed up with MRI, PET, CT or ultrasound imaging if further testing is needed.

Digital X-rays are performed similarly to conventional X-rays, but use a special imaging detector that “reads” the body part rather than exposing it on film. This is the same technique used for regular digital cameras. These X-rays allow for faster results and greater efficiency in sharing with other health care professionals since the images produced can and transferred and viewed by computer.

Computed Tomography Scan

Computed tomography, or CT, scan, is a sophisticated X-ray imaging system that scans thin “slices” of the body on all sides, then compiles these slices into a highly detailed, three-dimensional digital image of hard and soft tissues in the body. The procedure is non-invasive and can simultaneously depict tissues of different densities, which is not possible with a traditional X-ray. The amount of radiation exposure from a CT scan is greater than that of an X-ray, but depends on the type