Medical imaging is used in the medical industry for diagnosis and treatment. It uses various advanced technologies. Those technologies give detailed images of internal organs, tissues, and structures. The benefits of medical imaging are numerous. Few of them are
- It allows doctors to identify abnormalities not visible during a physical examination. For example, an X-ray help detects fractures or dislocations that are missed by just an oral examination. A CT scan reveals tumors or other forms of cancer that are not apparent from other diagnostic tests.
- The medical imaging in East Brunswick, NJ helps doctors monitor the progress of diseases and treatments. An MRI shows brain activity changes over time with a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Similarly, PET scans help to track cancer treatments working by showing changes in tumor size and metabolic activity.
- It is essential for guiding complex surgical procedures. By using real-time images provided by fluoroscopy, surgeons precisely locate and remove diseased tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
Despite these clear benefits in modern medicine, there are still concerns about its use, especially around radiation exposure.
Addressing concerns about radiation exposure
A major concern is radiation exposure as X-rays and CT scans emit ionizing radiation capable of causing damage to cells within the body when administered at high doses over time. While this risk is relatively low for most people undergoing routine diagnostic testing clinicians must take every precaution to limit the amount of radiation exposure their patients receive. There are several ways healthcare professionals help their patients to mitigate the risks.
- They use lower-dose protocols when performing routine imaging tests. Many hospitals and clinics now use low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening. It is a procedure that typically involves multiple scans over time.
- Doctors choose ultrasounds that don’t expose patients to ionizing radiation. It uses high-frequency sound waves and creates images of internal organs and tissues without any side effects.
- Clinicians could also reduce unnecessary imaging by implementing evidence-based practice guidelines for ordering diagnostic tests. Choosing those diagnostic techniques is effective in identifying or ruling out specific conditions based on current scientific literature.
- Clinicians educate patients about the risks and benefits before undergoing the procedures. Patients should understand that it outweighs the benefits of an effective treatment plan.
As medical imaging revolutionizes modern medicine with detailed images of internal structures, clinicians should take every precaution to limit the amount of radiation exposure their patients receive wherever possible. By adhering to evidence-based practice guidelines and educating patients about these risks, they’re are aware before undergoing any procedures.
