Cassette
light-proof holder in which x-ray film is exposed
Contrast Medium
substance ingested or injected into the body to facilitate imaging of internal structures
Film
raw material on which x-rays are projected through the body; prior to processing, it does not contain a visible image (similar to photographic film)
Fluoroscopy
special x-ray technique for examining a body part by immediate projection onto a fluorescent screen
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field
Nuclear Medicine
a branch of medicine that uses radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat disease
Radiograph
processed film that contains a visible image
Radiography
art and science of producing diagnostic images with x-rays
Radiologist
physician who specializes in radiology; performs some procedures and interprets images to provide diagnostic information
Radiology
branch of medicine including diagnostic and therapeutic applications of x-rays
Radiolucent
permitting the passage of x-rays
Radionuclide
radioactive material with a short life that is used in small amounts in nuclear medicine studies
Radiopaque
not permeable to passage of x-rays
Teleradiology
use of computed imaging and information systems to transmit diagnostic images to distant locations
Tomography
procedure in which the x-ray tube and film move in relation to each other during exposure, blurring out all structures except those in the focal plane
Ultrasound
imaging technique that uses sound waves to diagnose or monitor various body structures
X-Rays
invisible electromagnetic radiation waves used in diagnosis and treatment of various disorders
Diagnostic Imaging - Principles of Radiology
Routine x-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT), sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine are now commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Advances in radiation therapy continue to be at the forefront of the treatment
X-Rays and X-Ray Medicines
X-rays are high-energy waves that cannot be seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelled and that can penetrate fairly dense objects, such as the human body. Diagnostically, these penetrating waves create two-dimensional shadow-like images on film that is simila
Outpatient X-Rays
In some states, you may be permitted to take and process simple images such as bone or chest radiographs. The training for medical assistants varies, but most curricula include a formal course in the theory of radiology and a written examination offered b
How would you describe x-rays to a patient?
X-rays are invisible, high-energy waves that travel at the speed of light. These waves penetrate the body, making an impression on a piece of film placed behind or in front of the area of the body being examined. While taking an x-ray is not painful, the
Patient Positioning
The x-ray exposure on film is a two-dimensional image. Because the human body is a three-dimensional structure, x-ray examinations usually require a minimum of two exposures taking at 90� to each other. Other examinations necessitate three or more exposur
Examination Sequencing
Most radiographic procedures can be performed in any order of convenience, but certain procedures must follow certain sequences in specific situations.
The barium study that requires filling only the large intestine with barium is the barium enema.
The pr
Why is it important to schedule a barium enema before an upper GI or barium swallow?
Barium enemas fill only the large intestine with barium. Because the large intestine is the last part of the GI tract, this barium can be eliminated quickly. If an upper GI examination is performed first, it may be days before barium can be eliminated, wh
Radiation Safety
Of primary concern to all radiation workers and patients is the proper and safe use of radiant energy. The hazards of radiation have been known for many decades, and warnings about x-ray radiation are usually posted in appropriate areas. X-rays have the p
Diagnostic Procedures
Routine radiographic examinations require little or no preparation of the patient and are the most commonly performed examinations. These procedures are most readily accepted by the patient and are named for the part of the body involved in the radiograph
How does the dosimeter protect you from radiation?
A dosimeter does not protect you from radiation but will monitor your exposure, if any, to x-rays in the environment.
Mammography
Mammography, x-ray examination of the breast, is used as a screening tool for breast cancer. The baseline age is 35 - 40 years old.
Contrast Medium Examinations
The use of a radiopaque contrast medium helps differentiate between body structures by artificially changing the absorption rate of a particular structure. Barium sulfate absorbs radiation and shows white on a radiograph. Contrast media may be introduced
Routine Radiographic Examinations by Body Region and Patient Preparations
� Trunk - Disrobing of the area: chest, ribs, sternum, shoulder, scapula, clavicle, abdomen, hip, pelvis, sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, sacroiliac joints.
� Extremities - Removing jewelry or clothing that might obscure parts of interest: fingers, t
How does contrast media aid in differentiating between body structures?
Contrast media artificially change the absorption rate of x-rays in the structures that contain this media. This change in absorption rate allows the structures to be seen clearly instead of blending in with adjacent structures. For example, barium sulfat
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy, or fluoro studies, use x-rays to observe movement within the body. Fluoroscopy is used as an aid to other types of treatment, such as reducing fractures and implanting devices such as pacemakers.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Tomography is a procedure in which the x-ray tube and film move in relation to one another during the exposure, blurring out all structures except those in the focal plane. CT uses a combination of x-rays from a tube circling the patient and computers tha
What procedures would require the use of fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is useful for x-rays that require the ability to observe movement within the body, such as the movement of barium through the digestive tract or blood flow through a vessel.
Sonography
Ultrasound, or sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves, not x-rays, to create cross-sectional still or real time (motion) images of the body, usually with the help of a computer. This application is often used to demonstrate heart functions or abdomin
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a combination of high-intensity magnetic field, radio waves, and computer analysis to create cross-sectional images of the body. MRI does not use x-rays. MRI is commonly used for a variety of studies, including the ce
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine entails the injection of small amounts of radionuclides, which are radioactive materials with short life spans, designed to concentrate in specific areas of the body. A sophisticated nuclear medicine study, positron emission tomography (P
Which diagnostic imaging technique would most likely be ordered for diagnosing cancer in the early stages?
The PET scan or SPECT scan in nuclear medicine would most likely be ordered by the physician to diagnose physiologic and cellular abnormalities such as those found in cancer.
Interventional Radiologic Procedures
Interventional radiologic techniques are designed to treat specific disease conditions. The following are some types of techniques:
� Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), also known as balloon angioplasty, is used to enlarge the lumen of
Radiation Therapy
Used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, or both, radiation is possibly the best known treatment for cancer. Because the radiation is intense enough to destroy cancer cells, it may also damage adjacent normal cells. Therefore, treatments must be pl
What type of health care practitioner is responsible for prescribing and monitoring the effects of radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer?
The radiologist, a physician who specializes in radiology, is usually responsible for prescribing and monitoring radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer.
The Medical Assistant's Role in Radiologic Procedures
Because professional medical assistants have a variety of responsibilities in patient care, they often are in an ideal position to help alleviate patients' anxiety regarding radiology. Anxiety may be relieved by giving patients information about examinati
Calming the Patient's Fears
Being sensitive to patients' feelings is one of the greatest talents anyone in medicine can possess and should be an important part of your training and personality. The key to success in explaining radiology procedures to patients is simplicity, leaving
Assisting with Examinations
As a medical assistant, you might be expected to assist with radiologic examinations in following ways:
� Tell the patient what clothing to remove or assist with clothing removal as needed.
� Help the patient take the position for the procedure, emphasizi
Handling and Storing Radiographic Films
Advancing technology and the need for quality control have led to automated processing and developing of film to eliminate human error. Automated processing machines produce a film usually in less than 2 minutes. Unexposed film must be protected from mois
How can a medical assistant help with radiologic examinations?
Medical assistants can help with radiologic examinations by providing instruction to patients, positioning patients, handling x-ray film, and distributing or filing radiographs and report. In some states, the medical assistant may take simple x-rays.
Transfer of Radiographic Information
Radiographic images obtained on site for use by the physician remain part of the patient's permanent record. Digital images can be saved on a computer diskette or compact disc. In many cases, however, radiographic studies are performed at one site for con
Teleradiology
The use of computed images and information systems, teleradiology, is providing new benefits in medicine. Many institutions use a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) in which computers store and transmit images.
If digital images are taken, how are these records stored?
Digital images can be saved and stored on a computer diskette or compact disc.