An Overview of the Various Types of Medical Imaging Technology

Last updated 1 year ago

In medicine, the more information a doctor has to work with, the better the patient’s outcome will be. Medical imaging technology refers to tools that help health professionals get images of various internal processes as they happen within the body. These days, imaging centers are used to prevent and diagnose many different types of diseases and health problems.

The three main forms of imaging technology are the ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and the X-ray. Let’s take a look at these methods:

Ultrasound Imaging

This type of technology uses sound waves to produce images. Also known as sonography, it carries no risk of radiation exposure. Basically, sonic energy is emitted and then analyzed when it bounces back. The resulting signals provide a visual representation of the inside of the patient’s body based on their frequency, amplitude, and time taken to return.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Better known as MRI, this type of imaging also does not use harmful radiation. It works by combining large magnets with electricity and radio waves to produce a signal that is then interpreted into a picture. This picture shows cross-sections of the patient’s body, so MRI centers can reveal tumors and other problems with the brain, spinal cord, joints, heart, liver, and other organs.

X-Ray Imaging

X-rays are used in a few applications, including radiography, CT scans (or CAT scans), fluoroscopy, and mammography. They are a type of radiation wave that passes through some objects more easily than others, so when they are projected through people they can show images of internal structures.

Radiography is the process of using X-rays to take static pictures of people’s insides. Computed tomography (CT) scans, also known as computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, use X-rays to take cross-sectional pictures as the patient passes through the imaging machine.

Contact Southwest Diagnostic for more information on medical imaging. As the imaging experts, we can help you to get an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI in Dallas. Schedule your appointment with us today!