Activity 3.1.2 Diagnostic Imaging
Introduction
Diagnostic imaging refers to technologies that doctors use to look inside your body. In Lesson 2.1, you learned about ultrasonography, a type of diagnostic imaging technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures. X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are a few of the other diagnostic imaging technologies used to create pictures of the inside of the body to diagnose and treat many disorders, including cancer.
Radiology is the branch of medicine that is involved with diagnostic imaging. A diagnostic radiologist is a specialized physician who diagnoses diseases by obtaining and interpreting medical images. The radiologist usually receives assistance from a radiologic technologist. If you have ever had an X-ray or CT scan, you have probably met a radiologic technologist. But did you know there are actually numerous specialty areas for radiological technologists? These include MRI and CT radiographers, mammographers, sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists.
In the Family Bulletin you just read, Mike Smith was diagnosed with osteosarcoma with the use of X-rays, CT scans, bone scans, and MRI scans. In this activity, you will investigate the way in which these medical imaging technologies are used to detect cancer and will create a concept map that describes the different uses for each of these technologies. You will also research the roles of radiological technologists who specialize in MRI and CT radiography.
Equipment
· Computer with Internet access and Inspiration® software
· Laboratory journal
· Career Journal
Procedure
1. Take notes in your laboratory journal as your teacher presents the Diagnostic Imaging presentation.
2. Use Inspiration software (or very neatly draw) to create a concept map for the diagnostic imaging technologies presented. Your map should include the following information:
o How the technology works
o What the images show
o What typical uses for the technology are
3. Use additional terms and linking phrases as needed to complete the map.
4. Using your completed map, answer conclusion questions 1 - 3.
5. Use the Internet to research two different radiological technologists, an MRI radiographer and a CT radiographer. In your career journal, write an advertisement for a job opening in each of these two careers. You will need to include the following information:
o Education and training that is required
o Daily duties and responsibilities of the job
o Salary Range
o Experience Needed
6. Answer remaining Conclusion questions.
Conclusion
1. A patient enters a hospital after hitting her head in a car accident. She is diagnosed with a fractured skull but has other symptoms that she is suffering from brain damage. What technology should be used to confirm this diagnosis?
2. Come up with a situation where it would be inappropriate to use an MRI scan as a diagnostic tool?
3. Explain why a combination of X-rays, CT Scans, bone scans and MRI scans is used when diagnosing bone cancer.
4. What do you think would be the most satisfying part of a career as an MRI or CT radiographer? Explain why.
5. What do you think would be the most frustrating part of a career as an MRI or CT radiographer? Explain why.
6. Would this be a career area you would be interested in pursuing? Why or why not?
7. Why do you think patients are often fearful of having an MRI or CT scan?
8. How do MRI and CT scan technologies compare to ultrasonography?
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Medical Interventions Activity 3.1.2 Diagnostic Imaging – Page 1