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Questions and Answers.
Radiography can be split into four main subsections, and work as follows:
X-RAYS:
X-rays are performed by sending ionising radiation waves through the patient’s body, where some rays are absorbed and others scattered, forming an image of the body’s interior.
These images are mostly used to diagnose pneumonia, bone tumours, skeletal anomalies, and broken bones, but are relied on less often than more advanced procedures.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT SCANS):
CT scans create a more nuanced and accurate image of the patient’s body by combining the use of X-rays and computing algorithms.
This form of image capturing is the primary choice when dealing with urgent conditions that include cerebral haemorrhaging, the presence of blood clots in the lungs’ arteries, and appendicitis.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI):
MRI is the most elaborate and complicated radiographic process. Through the use of magnetic fields, an MRI aligns atomic nuclei and uses radio signals to disturb the nuclei’s rotation. When the nuclei return to their original positions, the final image is captured by observing the radio frequency signals.
MRIs are the primary imaging tool used for important examinations that deal with the brain, heart, organs, and musculoskeletal system.
ULTRASOUND:
While technically falling under sonography and not radiology, ultrasonography is a form of radiography that can capture images of soft tissue structures in the body by sending ultrasound waves through the body. While it’s uses may be limited, it is the safest of the imaging procedures as it does not rely on ionising radiation.
These images’ primary use lies in obstetrics and the examination of fetuses in utero. They can also be used to examine conditions such as vascular diseases and internal bleeding.
Radiographers are allied health professionals who take x-rays and other medical images to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases and injuries. They are also known as medical imaging technologists.
Radiologists are specialist medical doctors trained to interpret x-rays and other medical imaging tests. They diagnose and carry out treatments using ultrasound, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other imaging technology.
Radiologists may do further training to become an interventional radiologist, performing image-guided procedures inside a person’s body, such as treating cancerous tumours or inserting stents to open up arteries.
A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specialises in the use of radiation therapy to diagnose and treat cancer patients. They will often work with other specialists to form a radiation therapy program for their patients.
Anaesthesiology largely relates to the care of patients before, during, and after surgery and the application of anaesthesia. While anaesthesiology and radiology are vastly different, an anaesthesiologist may sedate a patient who undergoes an MRI, for instance, and has a fear of confined spaces. Anaesthetics may also be useful in certain interventional radiology procedures.
Imaging procedures are performed by radiologists who send a report of the procedure and their findings to the doctor of the patient. Doctors will then use both the report and image itself in their analysis and diagnosis. These reports include the following sections:
- The type of exam
- Clinical history
- Comparison
- Technique
- Findings
- Impression
While radiation exposure during X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans may be minimal and little evidence exists to support any negative effects radiology may have on babies, they are not recommended during pregnancy (especially MRIs, due to the use of magnetic fields).
In many cases, however, the benefits outweigh the possible risks, and the use of radiology may still be utilised.
Most medical aids cover radiology procedures owing to the important role they play in identifying life-threatening conditions. However, this is only if the patient obtained the necessary reference from a medical practitioner, such as a specialist or GP. If radiology is used without being referred by a medical practitioner, the costs may not be covered by the patient’s medical insurance provider, especially if the results return negative.
With out-of-hospital scans, patients may also be responsible for a co-payment with many medical aid providers. It is therefore essential that patients familiarise themselves with the unique radiology benefits of their medical plans to avoid unnecessary costs and the possibility of no-payment.
The costs of radiological imaging procedures are intended to cover the expenses that make radiology possible. These expenses include the cost of the machine, maintenance, and operational costs.
The cost of the machine, while high, will be paid off in time; the cost of maintenance, on the other hand, is continuous. Because radiology machines work with radioactivity, constant maintenance is vital to ensure the safety of the procedures.
Owing to the high electricity usage needed to operate the machine (e.g. the generation of the magnetic field in MRI scans), the electricity costs are included in the price. Because of the specialist nature and expertise required in conducting radiological procedures, the cost of employing a qualified technician is also factored into the price.
Despite their high cost, however, radiological procedures continue to save lives and improve the quality of life for many people daily and most often save costs compared to untreated medical concerns.
Yes. As with other radiology technologies, the Code of Practice for Users of Medical X-Ray Equipment (2015), issued by the Department of Health, states that all radiology technicians (a.k.a. radiographers) must be licensed before they are allowed to operate imaging equipment.
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