Transcript Radiology Services - Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh.

Radiology
Services
Yaseen Hayajneh RN, MPH, PhD
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
What is Radiology?
• Radiology is the study of images of the human body.
• A Radiologist is a physician who has become a specialist in
Radiology - a medical doctor who has taken additional training
in the interpretation of medical images. This training usually
takes 5 -6 years after completing Medical School.
• Although Radiology began with the use of X-Rays and large flat
sheets of photographic films, the modern Radiologist now has a
variety of tools for "taking pictures" of living patients.
• Many of these newer tools create an image with a computer (CT
- computed tomography) and some do not use any X-Rays, nor
radiation of any kind - such as MR and Ultrasound.
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
Plain radiographs (plain X-rays)
• Plain radiographs (plain X-rays) can be obtained using a variety of imaging
methods, and they all require exposing the patient to X-Ray radiation.
• The image or picture is basically a shadow of the parts of the patient that
absorb or block the X-Rays.
• The image can be collected on photosensitive film, on a digital imaging plate, or
on a flouroscope.
• The image is a "photographic negative" of the object - the "shadows" are white
regions (where the X-rays were blocked by the object).
• Plain radiographs ("plain films") are usually taken by a trained Radiologic
Technologist. The resulting films are then interpreted by the Radiologist to
make a diagnosis.
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT or CAT Scans)
• A specialized X-ray imaging technique.
• It may be performed "plain" or after the injection of a "Contrast Agent".
• CT creates the image by using an array of individual small X-Ray sensors and a
computer.
• By spinning the X-Ray source and the sensor/detectors around the patient, data
is collected from multiple angles.
• A computer then processes this information to create an image on the video
screen.
• These images are called "sections" or "cuts" because they appear to resemble
cross-sections of the body.
• The patient is not actually "cut".
• Because it does use X-Rays to form the image, this computerized technique
has some limitations that are similar to those for plain film radiographs.
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT or CAT Scans)
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
Fluoroscopy
• Fluoroscopy is a technique for
obtaining "live" X-ray images of a
living patient.
• The Radiologist uses a switch to
control an X-Ray beam that is
transmitted through the patient.
• An Image can then be watched "live"
on a TV monitor.
• Fluoroscopy is often used to
observe the digestive tract
• Fluoroscopy is also used during
many diagnostic and therapeutic
Radiologic procedures, to observe
the action of instruments being used
either to diagnose or to treat the
patient.
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging does not use X-Rays (nor any other type of
"ionizing" radiation).
• Instead, it is a technique that includes a large magnetic field and a computer to
produce 3D images.
• The pictures look like "sections" or "cuts" - just like in CT.
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
Ultrasound (US)
• Using high frequency sound waves to create an image of living tissue.
• The basic technique is similar to submarine ultrasound. A sound signal is sent
out, and the reflected "echoes" are used to create the image.
• Ultrasound can create truly real-time "movies" of the heart beating, contraction
of bowel loops, and can even show blood flowing.
• Using a special form of US called DOPPLER the speed and direction of flowing
blood can be measured and illustrated in color pictures. All of this without
harming the patient. This doppler technique allows Radiologists to detect
blocked blood vessels in the neck, and elsewhere.
• One of the most common US procedures is the examination of the living fetus
within the mother's womb (OBSTETRIC sonography). US images (like CT and
MRI) are viewed as if they were "sections" of the body.
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
Ultrasound (US)
Doppler ultrasound unit
Doppler ultrasound or "echo"
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
MAMMOGRAM
• A specialized x-ray which shows up the breast tissue and can detect
breast cancer at a very early stage.
• The image is produced by a low-dose X-ray of the breast.
• It is used as a screening test in women with no signs or symptoms of
breast cancer or to evaluate a lump.
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
Portable X-ray
• Certain radiologic procedures can be done at bed side, especially
for patients who can’t be moved to radiology department
(orthopedic patients or patients on ventilators)
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
PACS - Definition
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Picture
Archive
Communication
System
• The Acquisition, Archival and Retrieval of Digital images over a
Computer network, for Diagnosis and Review at dedicated
workstations.
• A costly system that uses an image server to exchange X-rays, CT
scans and other medical images over a network.
• Mini-PACS specialize in one type of image such as an ultra- sound.
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh
PACS - Benefits
• Principal Benefits
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Constant, reliable and online access
Faster turn around times
Enhanced image manipulation
Greater accuracy in reporting
Images are sorted
Cost per exam has decreased
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh