Diagnostic imaging is an important way for doctors to detect diseases and abnormalities in the body. It’s a non-invasive, which means there is no need for needles and surgery. There can be significant benefits of diagnostic medical imaging since it provides crucial information about a patient’s health.
There are many types of diagnostic tests today that doctors often recommend helping detect or diagnose a disease, monitor a patient’s condition, visualise the internal organs, and see if the treatment is working. The most common diagnostic examinations and imaging tests in the UK include a full-body MRI scan self-referral, CT scans, PET scans and X-ray.
X-ray Or Radiologic Test
An X-ray or radiologic scan is a very commonly used diagnostic test used today. For decades, doctors relied on X-rays to diagnose diseases by visualising the internal parts of the body. The X-ray uses electromagnetic radiation with high energy and passes through objects, such as the body.
In the medical field, x-rays are used to produce images of structures and tissues within the body, such as the lungs, heart, bones, head and the digestive tract. Diseases like pneumonia, lung diseases and bone fractures can be detected with the help of an X-ray test.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a diagnostic test that uses computers and X-ray equipment to produce cross-sectional images of the internal parts of the body. Compared to X-rays, a CT scan generates more detailed photos of organs and tissues, such as the heart, spine, shoulders, head, knee, chest, abdomen, chest and other parts of the body.
The test can use a contrast dye to make better photos, and it emphasises the organs the doctor wants to see. Doctors use the test to detect diseases like cancer and heart problems.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is widely used to diagnose diseases because it produces detailed images of the body organs. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to make the images of body structures to see if there are any abnormalities.
During the test, patients should not have any metal items in the body like jewelry and coins. For patients with internal metals such as pins, pacemakers and titanium implants, doctors may recommend another type of imaging test.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan is a type of imaging test that aids in revealing how the structures in the body function. The patient inhales, swallows or receives an injection of a radioactive tracer drug that shows body processes and activities.
PET scans help diagnose diseases like cancer because it uncovers chemical activities in body tissues and organs.
Imaging tests are important in the medical field because they show doctors that are happening inside the body. They show internal structures for a proper diagnosis before treatments are recommended. They also help limit invasive diagnostic tests that may require needles and surgeries. Doctors can now properly diagnose many diseases and health abnormalities thanks to these imaging techniques.
