Logan Reid
Scanners are a vital tool in hospitals, enabling doctors to see inside the human body and diagnose conditions without invasive surgery. There are several types of scanners, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans, each employing different technologies to image the body. X-rays, for example, use radiation to create flat, 2D images, while CT scans combine X-rays with computer processing to produce detailed 3D images. MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to visualise soft structures in the body, while PET scans use radioactive substances to identify the metabolic and chemical processes of internal organs. Scanners in hospitals are an essential tool for non-invasive diagnostics and monitoring of patient conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To detect injuries, diseases, and other abnormalities in the body |
| Types | X-ray, CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), ultrasound, nuclear imaging |
| Functionality | Each type of scan has unique functions and capabilities. For example, X-rays are useful for examining bones and certain types of tissues, while CT scans provide detailed images of organs, muscles, bones, and soft tissues. MRI scans provide real-time information about the body's functioning, and PET scans are excellent for identifying tumour activity within organs. |
| Procedure | Depending on the type of scan, patients may lie on a table that slides into the scanner, receive an injection of a radioactive substance, or be asked to hold their breath for a short time. |
| Duration | Varies depending on the type of scan and the area being scanned. For example, MRI scans can range from 20 minutes to an hour. |
| Side Effects | Some patients may experience side effects from the contrast material used in CT scans, such as allergy. |
| Results | Results are typically reviewed by a radiologist who prepares a report for the healthcare provider. Results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours but may be faster in emergency cases. |
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What You'll Learn
CT scans
CT, or computed tomography, is a diagnostic imaging test that combines X-rays with computer processing to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. CT scans are often used to detect injuries and diseases, including tumours, and can be particularly useful for imaging complex bone fractures and bone tumours. The process of a CT scan involves the patient lying on a bed that moves slowly through the gantry while an X-ray tube rotates around them, shooting narrow beams of X-rays through their body. The X-rays are then picked up by detectors and transmitted to a computer, which uses mathematical techniques to construct a two-dimensional image slice of the patient. This process is repeated to produce multiple image slices, which can be displayed individually or stacked together to generate a 3D image.
In terms of preparation for a CT scan, patients are typically advised to arrive early and wear comfortable clothing, removing any metal jewellery or clothing. In some cases, a hospital gown may be provided. The process of receiving results from a CT scan usually takes around 24 to 48 hours, although in emergency settings, results may be available within an hour. Following the review of the results by a radiologist and the patient's healthcare provider, further appointments or a call will be made to discuss the findings.
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MRI scans
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a test that uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI scanners are particularly good at imaging soft tissues and non-bony parts of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, as well as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is also used to examine organs in the chest and abdomen, including the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and bowel.
During the scan, patients lie inside the MRI machine, which can be a narrow tunnel or an open design to accommodate patients with claustrophobia. The machine generates a strong magnetic field, which can cause a twitching sensation in the body. The magnetic field and radio waves interact with the atoms in the patient's tissues, and the differences in how these atoms behave are used to create 3D images of the different tissue types.
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PET scans
The patient is injected with a radioactive tracer, usually fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a simple sugar that has been radiolabelled. Cancer cells, for example, grow quickly and need a lot of energy, and therefore a lot of sugar. This increased uptake of sugar makes them show up as bright 'hot spots' on the scan. Diseased cells in the body absorb more of the radiotracer than healthy ones, and the scanner detects these cells, which indicates a potential health problem.
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X-ray imaging
Computed tomography (CT) is a type of X-ray imaging that combines traditional X-ray technology with computer processing to generate a series of cross-sectional images of the body. These images can later be combined to form a three-dimensional X-ray image. CT images are more detailed than plain radiographs and give doctors the ability to view structures within the body from many different angles.
There are risks associated with X-ray imaging due to its use of ionizing radiation, a form of radiation that has enough energy to potentially cause damage to DNA and may increase an individual's lifetime risk of developing cancer. However, modern X-ray tests use a very small dose of radiation, and the diagnostic benefits of X-ray scans significantly outweigh the risks.
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Ultrasound
Internal ultrasounds involve inserting a tube-shaped probe into body cavities such as the vagina or rectum. This type of ultrasound may be uncomfortable but should not cause pain. The probe can also be attached to an endoscope, a thin tube that is passed into the oesophagus to visualise organs such as the heart or stomach.
The results of an ultrasound scan may be available immediately or may take a few weeks, depending on the reason for the scan. The images are analysed by a radiologist, who sends a report to the referring doctor. The patient may then receive their results during a follow-up appointment or by accessing their electronic medical record.
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Frequently asked questions
CT scans, or CAT scans, are imaging tests that combine X-rays with computer processing to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. They are used to detect injuries and diseases and help doctors diagnose, monitor, and guide treatment.
MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body, particularly soft structures such as muscles, tendons, and kidneys. They do not use radiation and are safe and painless.
X-ray imaging uses radiation beams that pass through the body. Different body parts block the beams, creating an image that shows the arrangement of anatomy. X-rays are commonly used to check for a collapsed lung.
PET scans use radioactive substances injected into the body that emit gamma rays. The PET scanner detects these gamma rays and creates an image, allowing doctors to identify the functioning of cells and tumours.
Ultrasound scans use sound waves that are reflected differently by different types of tissue. These reflections are turned into an image, which helps doctors examine organs and developing babies.
