When to Use Imaging: A Radiography Technician’s Guide

Medical imaging lets physicians examine the body’s internal structures without performing surgery. As a radiography technician, your responsibilities will include capturing these life-sustaining images with the help of various machines like X-rays, MRI, and CT scans. However, when does a patient need an image taken? This guide will explain when doctors refer patients for imaging and how it helps diagnose and treat the patient.

Diagnosing Bone Injuries

One of the most common reasons people get imaging is to diagnose bone injuries, such as fractures or breaks. In the case of a patient who has experienced a severe fall or accident, an X-ray is usually the first action taken to see if any bones are fractured. 

The reason is straightforward: X-rays show clear images of bones and do not take much time to develop. Without X-rays, doctors could not determine the seriousness of the injury and could not provide proper treatment to the patient.

Infection Check

Imaging also confirms the presence of infections within the body. Sometimes, infections can reach organs or bones, and the doctor needs to look further into what is happening. CT scans or MRIs show close pictures of soft tissues that may help detect such infections. This needs to be done as soon as possible so that the doctors can start the appropriate treatment before further damage from the disease occurs.

Detection of Tumors or Growths

Imaging is quite helpful in detecting tumors or abnormal growths inside the body. MRIs and CT scans in great detail view the soft tissues, including muscles and organs. These scans enable doctors to locate growths indicating cancer or any other medical issue. It shows doctors the precise location and size of the tumor, helping them decide whether to pursue surgery, chemotherapy, or another method.

Monitoring of Chronic Conditions

Medical imaging is usually required by those experiencing chronic conditions, such as arthritis or heart disease. A patient with arthritis may require X-rays showing the deteriorating state of bones and joints over a certain period. 

A heart patient will need a CT scan if there is a blockage within the vessels. By using imaging to monitor the patient’s condition, doctors can ensure the treatment works and adjust it if needed.

Detecting Internal Injuries

Physicians can, on the other hand, request the conduct of imaging tests to determine if there is an internal injury in case of severe traumas such as those from highway accidents. CT scans and MRIs are standard tests to outline any damage to the organs, muscles, and blood vessels. 

One cannot see these internal injuries from the outside; thus, it is essential to observe the full extent of the trauma through such imaging techniques. Serious injuries could be overlooked without the scans and result in complications later on.

Surgical Planning

Physicians preoperatively sometimes use images to plan a procedure. For example, a hip replacement will include an X-ray to let the surgeon know exactly what should be done. Imaging helps doctors further understand anatomies in patients and conduct surgeries with improved precision.

Follow-up after Treatment

Diagnosing how a patient is healing may be done through imaging, often done after surgery or treatment. An X-ray, CT, or MRI can also confirm whether the treatment was effective or included such complications. For example, if a patient had his bone fractured, the X-ray would confirm whether the bone was healing.

Conclusion: Enroll Now at Northwest Career College Today

If you are interested in pursuing a radiography technician career, Northwest Career College will prepare you for success in this exciting, growing healthcare field. Designed by professionals, the programs here will set you up with just the right skills and knowledge to succeed.

Join the thousands of students who have chosen Northwest Career College for their education and career training. Apply today, and take the first step in having a stable career as a radiography technician!