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What is Radiology?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

Radiology is the use of radiation for different types of "imaging," including X-rays. Imaging simply means creating an image of the inner configuration of a dense object, such as part of the human body, with the use of radiant energy. Radiology is also sometimes called radioscopy or Clinical Radiology, the latter due to the many uses of imaging techniques for diagnosis as well as treatment of injury or disease. Imaging includes X-rays, radiant dye, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging.

In the medical field, radiology is a specialization. A radiologist reads or interprets an image to pinpoint an injury, determine how serious the injury is or help detect abnormalities such as tumors. This is why patients frequently have to wait for the "official" results of an X-ray or other image even if the primary caregiver has reviewed it. A specialist in radiology must also interpret the results and consult with the physician or offer a report of his or her findings in order to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Clinics and medical facilities that do not employ an on-site radiologist must send the image out for interpretation and await the findings.

A radiologist needs an excellent bedside manner.
A radiologist needs an excellent bedside manner.

Radiology is an important component of diagnosis and treatment, so the radiologist has a great responsibility to obtain clear, distinct images and review them with extreme care. Faulty images or interpretations can lead to missing things or even to misdiagnosis of the patient's condition. Obtaining high quality images through radiology can be difficult when a patient is in pain or suffering from illness, so a radiologist or imaging tech must have an excellent bedside manner.

Faulty interpretations of a radiology image can lead to the misdiagnosis of a patient's condition.
Faulty interpretations of a radiology image can lead to the misdiagnosis of a patient's condition.

The radiologist must also be able to comfort the patient, keeping him or her calm, and able to explain radiology procedures clearly to reduce the patient's anxiety. He or she must also thoroughly observe the patient's medical records and ask questions to ensure that X-rays or other imaging techniques are not particularly risky for a specific patient, for example, a woman that is or could be pregnant. Since radiology techniques require the use of radiation, a tech must also protect him or herself and the patient from the possible dangers associated with radiation.

Discussion Comments

lilwes423

I am still in high school and I am having a hard time finding a future carer. I recently came across the medical field and I am more focusing on the carer of a medical tech. I am looking more into a radiology tech, but I am kind of concerned if it is hard to get a job as a radiology tech or any med tech in general. And I am kind of wondering about the wages. If anyone has any answers or any advice please get back to me.

anon40185

i just graduated high school and i am about to start studying this is college. This can help me out a lot.

anon27775

this site has lots of useful information......

but my question is how much does a radioligist make?

anon4263

I don't know how I can say in commenting at this website, I am not a doctor nor a nurse, I am a manager, but I appreciate you letting me know all about technology of Hospitals; and different diseases and how they can be treated. In reality, I learned more about this website. Be Successful even in your plans.

Thank you.

GASORE Nkunda Prince

Kigali/RWANDA

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    • A radiologist needs an excellent bedside manner.
      By: ep stock
      A radiologist needs an excellent bedside manner.
    • Faulty interpretations of a radiology image can lead to the misdiagnosis of a patient's condition.
      By: kirillica
      Faulty interpretations of a radiology image can lead to the misdiagnosis of a patient's condition.
    • Bedside manner is an important skill for medical professionals.
      By: asierromero
      Bedside manner is an important skill for medical professionals.
    • A radiologist reads X-rays to determine the severity of injuries.
      By: michaeljung
      A radiologist reads X-rays to determine the severity of injuries.
    • Radiology is the use of radiation for different types of "imaging," including an ultrasound.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Radiology is the use of radiation for different types of "imaging," including an ultrasound.
    • Radiology includes MRI machines that can help diagnose an injury or illness.
      By: jovannig
      Radiology includes MRI machines that can help diagnose an injury or illness.
    • A radiographer is responsible for performing X-rays on patients and managing radiology equipment.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      A radiographer is responsible for performing X-rays on patients and managing radiology equipment.