Radiography (including mammography and cardiovascular interventional technology)
Radiology technologists use X-ray techniques to make visible the internal parts of the body. X-ray technique implies x-ray beams that are passed through the body showing its internal structure (presence or absence of a particular disease). Besides, radiography can be employed to plan radiation treatment (FDA.gov, n. d.). X-ray techniques are also used for mammography that shows mammograms, which is the internal structure of the breasts. There are two types of mammography imaging: screen-film and full-field digital mammography (FDA.gov, n. d.). In the first one, x-rays are beamed through the breast to a special cassette and called a mammogram. In the case of full-field digital mammography, “x-rays are beamed through the breast to an image receptor” (FDA.gov, n. d., para. 4). Cardiac Interventional technologists use fluoroscopic machines to produce images of the heart and the blood vessels.
Nuclear Medicine (PET)
Nuclear medicine is an area of radiology that is a combination of various disciplines, including medicine, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer technology. Nuclear medicine employs a tiny amount of radioactive materials or radiopharmaceuticals in order to check the condition of organ function and structure. Positron emission tomography (PET) is related to the nuclear medicine procedure that aims to measure the metabolic activity of the body tissues’ cells. PET is used by oncologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and cardiologists. Moreover, to perform PET, one of those specialists uses a scanning machine to examine an organ or a tissue (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n. d.).
Radiation Therapy
Radiology technologists use radiation therapy to treat cancer. They employ X-rays technology (in some cases, protons or other types of energy). High-energy beams go through the body (in the right area) and destroy cancer cells.
Bone Densitometry
Bone densitometry is an examination of the density of the bone. The test is called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and employs a tiny amount of ionizing radiation to capture an image to measure bone density (usually in the spine, hip, or forearm). In general, it is used for checking whether a patient has osteopenia or osteoporosis (WebMD, 2019).
Computed Tomography
A CT scan is a more advanced technology compared to a conventional X-ray. The scan is a combination of X-ray images (produced from various angles) and cross-sectional images of the bones, blood vessels, and tissues that are made using computer technology. The technology is employed to diagnose diseases, injuries and prepare a patient for different kinds of medical treatments (Mayo Clinic, n. d.).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI technique is used to create high-resolution images of the body’s internal parts that allow doctors to diagnose different diseases. MRI employs a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves in order to produce detailed images of organs and tissues (Mayo Clinic, n. d.).
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
A sonographer or a diagnostic medical sonographer uses a special computer (that produces images) and soundwaves to create images of various parts of the body: the technology is widely known as ultrasounds. The technology is employed to detect different problems and to help doctors make diagnoses (Mayo Clinic, n. d.).
Radiologist Assistant
A radiology assistant is an advanced role of a radiology technologist. Radiology assistants carry out radiologic procedures to help radiologists manage and examine patients and work under their supervision. It should be noted that the radiologic assistant performs initial observations and diagnostic imaging; however, it does not provide its interpretation or any other forms of reports (UNC School of Medicine, n. d.).
References
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n. d.). Positron emission tomography (PET).
Mayo Clinic. (n. d.). Diagnostic medical sonographer.
UNC School of Medicine. (n. d.). Radiologist assistant.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n. d.). Mammography.
WebMD. (2019). Bone densitometry.