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What is Medical Imaging?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Medical imaging is a discipline within the medical field which involves the use of technology to take images of the inside of the human body. These images are used in diagnostics, as teaching tools, and in routine healthcare for a variety of conditions. Medical imaging is sometimes referred to as diagnostic imaging, because it is frequently used to help doctors arrive at a diagnosis, and there are a number of different types of technology used in imaging.

The goal of imaging is to provide a picture of the inside of the body in a way which is as non-invasive as possible. An imaging study can be used to identify unusual things inside the body, such as broken bones, tumors, leaking blood vessels, and so forth. One of the most famous types of diagnostic imaging is the x-ray, which uses radiation to take a static image of a specific area of the body.

An X-ray, a type of medical imaging.
An X-ray, a type of medical imaging.

In addition to x-rays and related computed tomography (CT) technology, it is also possible to use ultrasound to look inside the body by bouncing sound waves from the body cavity to make a picture, and to utilize magnetic resonance imaging to agitate the cells to get a picture of the body. Medical imaging can also produce dynamic images, such as scans of brain activity or pictures of the heart in motion which can be used to look for diagnostic issues which would not appear in a static image. More invasive techniques involve the insertion of a camera into the body to take video of an area of interest.

Ultrasound technology enables doctors to look inside the body.
Ultrasound technology enables doctors to look inside the body.

Some imaging studies simply require a capture of an image, while others involve the introduction of a contrast material to the body. Contrast materials are swallowed or injected, and they are designed to be highly visible in the picture, allowing a doctor to follow their progress through the body. A barium swallow, for example, may be used in an x-ray of the digestive tract to look for ulcers and perforations, while radioactive contrasts may be injected to look for signs of thyroid cancer.

An MRI machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of internal organs and bone structures.
An MRI machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of internal organs and bone structures.

New technology for medical imaging is being developed all the time, including machines which are less invasive and technology which reduces the need for radioactive materials and other harmful substances in imaging. The newest technology tends to be available at research hospitals and urban medical centers, where a large budget can accommodate the purchase of expensive new equipment, while rural facilities tend to have older, more outdated equipment which is sometimes less effective in diagnosis.

Medical imaging includes a range of technologies that allow medical providers to capture internal images of the human body.
Medical imaging includes a range of technologies that allow medical providers to capture internal images of the human body.

The process involved in acquiring images varies, depending on the technology being used and the area of the body which is being imaged. When a doctor orders a medical imaging study of a patient, he or she may go over the procedure or ask a nurse to provide the patient with information so that he or she knows what to expect.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

Good point Heavanet. These types of imaging tests are usually safer, but don't work for all diagnosis needs. Also, sometimes insurance companies don't want to pay for MRIs, which are often more costly than xrays and CT scans.

Heavanet
Two other options, Talentryto, are MRIs and ultrasounds. If they are suitable for the diagnosis you need, these types of imaging tests pose less exposure to radiation than xrays and CT scans. However, they aren't appropriate for all types of imaging needs.
Talentryto

There are so many different types of medical diagnostic imaging available today, I think sometimes it is overused. Remember, every time you get an xray or a CT scan, you are getting exposed to radiation. Though it would take a lot to cause issues, it is always best to talk about the necessity of imaging with your doctor, especially if you have had a lot of these types of tests in your lifetime.

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    • An X-ray, a type of medical imaging.
      An X-ray, a type of medical imaging.
    • Ultrasound technology enables doctors to look inside the body.
      By: Konstantin Li
      Ultrasound technology enables doctors to look inside the body.
    • An MRI machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of internal organs and bone structures.
      By: Monkey Business
      An MRI machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of internal organs and bone structures.
    • Medical imaging includes a range of technologies that allow medical providers to capture internal images of the human body.
      By: adam121
      Medical imaging includes a range of technologies that allow medical providers to capture internal images of the human body.
    • Medical imaging can often be used in situations where only exploratory surgery would have worked in the past.
      By: EPSTOCK
      Medical imaging can often be used in situations where only exploratory surgery would have worked in the past.