Ch.1: Introduction to Radiologic Sciences and Medical Imaging History

Radiation

Energy that is transmitted by waves through space or matter.

Energy

Capacity to operate or work.

Ionization

Process by which a neutral atom gains or loses an electron, acquiring a charge.

Forms of Energy in Medicine

There are many forms of energy used in medicine to diagnose and/or treat patients.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Field of study that creates anatomic images by recording reflected sound waves. (form of mechanical energy) Non-Ionizing radioation.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Radiation that does not have enough energy to ionize atoms.

Electrocardiography

Imaging the electrical activities of the heart.

Electroencephalography

Imaging the electrical activities of the brain.

Nuclear Medicine

Imaging of anatomic structures and physiologic processes using radioactive material; ionizing radiation

Gamma Radiation

Form of electromagnetic energy that has the ability to ionize atoms.

X-Rays

Human-made form of electromagnetic energy produced by high-speed electrons; ionizing radiaation

Radiography

The making of records (radiographs) of internal structures of the body by passage of x-rays or gamma rays.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses radio waves, a non-ionizing form of electromagnetic radiation.

Radiation Therapy

Uses high-energy radiation to treat cancers; ionizing radiation

Medical Dosimetry

Creates customized radiation treatment plans for patients with cancer. (works closely w/ radiation oncologists, medical physicists, & radiation therapists)

Medical Physicist

Prepares various medical machines for clinical use by performing numerous quality tests. Test and supervises the maintenance of the equipment used in medical imaging & develop safety procedures for those working around radiation.

Roentgen Rays

The original name for X-Rays, named after Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.

Radiographs

Images produced by the passage of x-rays or gamma rays through the body.

Digital Imaging Plates

Modern technology used to capture radiographic images.

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation that has enough energy to ionize atoms.

Radio Waves

A non-ionizing form of electromagnetic radiation used in MRI.

Radiation Oncologists

Physicians who specialize in cancer treatment using radiation.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Not all forms of electromagnetic energy are 'ionizing'. It depends on the energy.

Imaging and Radiologic Sciences

The field is best described as Imaging AND Radiation/Radiologic Sciences.

American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)

Utilizes 'Radiologic Technology' to encompass all disciplines of the profession.

History of Medicine

Dates back 5000 years, combining medicine and religion to treat and cure disease.

Hippocrates

Greek physician known as the Father of Western medicine, contemporary of Socrates.

Hippocratic Corpus

More than 60 medical treatises (essays/dissertations) that emphasize rational explanations for treatment.

Patient Observation

Emphasized by Hippocrates as a method for understanding and treating disease.

Hippocratic Oath

Governs the ethical conduct of physicians, emphasizing patient rights and treatment for curative purposes.

Romans

Recognized the importance of proper sanitation, leading to the construction of aqueducts, baths, sewers, and hospitals.

Black Plague

An epidemic resulting from neglect in sanitation facilities during the 14th century.

Scientific Approach to Medicine

Began in the 17th century with figures like William Harvey and Anton Van Leeuwenhoek.

William Harvey (1578-1657)

English physician who laid the foundation for modern medicine and studied the heart and circulatory system.

Anton Van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723)

Dutch zoologist who described bacteria and isolated microorganisms with a microscope.

Advent of Microscope

Allowed completion of Harvey's work on the circulatory system.

18th Century Developments

Surgery became an experimental science and reforms in mental health were introduced.

Digitalis

A heart drug introduced in the 18th century.

Proper Sanitation

Recognized by Romans as crucial for public health.

Epidemic

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

Curative Purposes

Treatment aimed at curing a disease rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

Ethical Conduct

High standards of behavior expected from physicians, as outlined in the Hippocratic Oath.

Patient Rights

The rights of patients to privacy and informed consent in their medical treatment.

Edward Jenner (1749-1823)

English physician who developed the vaccine for smallpox in 1796, laying the foundation for the field of immunology.

Louis Pasteur (1822-1895)

French chemist who proved the germ theory of infection and developed the process of pasturization

Robert Koch (1843-1910)

German bacteriologist who established the bacterial cause for many infections, including anthrax, tuberculosis, and cholera.

Nobel Prize (1905)

Awarded to Robert Koch for developing the tuberculin test for tuberculosis.

Florence Nightingale (1820-1910)

English nurse who developed the foundations for modern nursing.

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen 1895

German physicist who discovered x-rays in 1895.

Sir Alexander Fleming

Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin in 1928

Jonas Salk (1914-1995)

Developed the Salk vaccine to control and prevent poliomyelitis.

Madame Curie

Among her contribution to the world of radiology, she invented the 1st mobile x-ray units, which were used during WW1 to help wounded soldiers

Francis Crick & James Watson

English & American scientists who identified the molecular structure of DNA in 1953.

Human Genome Project

An international scientific research project completed in 2003, aimed at identifying all of the approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes in human DNA.

HGP Goals

Goals include determining the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA and addressing ethical, legal, and social issues.

Discovery of X-rays

Accidental discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen on November 8, 1895, using a Crookes Tube.

Crookes Tube

Partially evacuated glass tube with a cathode and anode, used in the production of X-rays. An early version of the modern fluorescent light.

Thomas Edison

Inventor of fluoroscopy and chemicals used in film x-ray; noted for his concerns about the harmful effects of radiation.

Clarence Dally

Thomas Edison's friend/assistant and the first recorded x-ray fatality due to radiation burns.

Barium Platinocyanide

Substance used in the discovery of x-rays that fluoresced under radiation.

First radiograph

The first x-ray image taken of Mrs. Roentgen's hand (Anna Bertha Ludwig).

Nobel Prize in Physics (1901)

Awarded to Wilhelm Rontgen for the discovery of x-rays.

Accidental discovery

A discovery made unintentionally, such as the discovery of x-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.

Endocrine system

System that regulates hormones in the body, with increased understanding due to research by Jonas Salk.

Prophylactics

Preventive measures or treatments, particularly in relation to understanding the immune system.

Chemotherapy

Treatment of disease, particularly cancer, using chemical substances, significantly advanced by the discovery of penicillin.

Shoe fitting fluoroscopy

A technique from the 1940s using x-ray technology to fit shoes.

Radiologic Technologist

General term applied to persons qualified to use x-rays or radioactive substances to produce images of the internal parts of the body for interpretation by a physician.

Radiographer

A professional who specializes in using x-rays to create images of the body.

Radiologist

A physician who interprets medical images and diagnoses diseases.

Radiation Therapist

A professional who uses radiation to treat diseases.

ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Credentialing organization for medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy.

Radiography - RT(R) (ARRT)

Specialization in using x-rays to create images of the body, requiring completion of an ARRT recognized radiography program.

Cardiovascular Interventional Technology

A field involving imaging of the heart and blood vessels, utilizing ionizing radiation.

RT(CI)(ARRT) - Cardiac Interventional Radiography

A specialization in radiography focused on cardiac imaging.

RT(VI)(ARRT) - Vascular Interventional Radiography

A specialization in radiography focused on vascular imaging.

Mammography RT(M)(ARRT)

Specialization in performing radiologic examinations of the breast.

Radiologist Assistant R.R.A. (ARRT)

An advanced-level radiographer who extends the capacity of the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment.

Contrast media

Substances used in medical imaging to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body.

Fluoroscopic exams

Real-time imaging using x-rays to visualize internal structures.

Central venous line placements

A procedure performed by radiologist assistants under the direction of a radiologist.

Gastrointestinal tract imaging

Imaging procedures that visualize the digestive system using contrast media.

Genitourinary system imaging

Imaging procedures that visualize the urinary and reproductive systems using contrast media.

Injection of contrast media

The process of administering a contrast agent to enhance imaging of specific areas.

Post Primary Pathways

Advanced training pathways for radiologic technologists to specialize in specific areas.

Educational and competency/clinical requirements

Standards that must be met to be eligible for the national ARRT exam.

National ARRT exam

An examination that radiologic technologists must pass to earn their credential.

National examination in nuclear medicine technology

Offered by ARRT - RT(N) (ARRT) and Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) - CNMT.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

a type of Nuclear Medicine Study that combines the use of Nuclear Medicine and Computed Tomography using radiopharmaceuticals.

Bone Densitometry - RT(BD)(ARRT)

involves Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) for measuring bone mineral density (Osteoporosis).

Certified Bone Densitometry Technologist

Credential offered by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry since 1993, requires ARRT certification in Radiography, Nuclear medicine technology (or NMTCB certified), or Radiation therapy.

CT (Computed Tomography) RT(CT)(ARRT)

uses x-rays to obtain axial plane-images of the body, producing cross-sectional anatomical images.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) RT(MR)

utilizes radio frequency waves and magnetic fields to produce images in various planes (cross sectional).

Certification Requirements for MRI

Requires a degree and can be earned through formal education after earning RT(R) or through a Degree in MRI.

Credentialing in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Can obtain credentialing through American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Multi-Credentialed

Individuals who hold 2 or more credentials from ARRT, with one primary pathway completed before continuing education in a post primary pathway.

Health Care Team

Technologist is a general term for individuals skilled in a practical art, involved in higher level problem-solving situations compared to technicians. A term that applies to a person who performs procedures requiring attention to technical detail, working under the direction of another health care provider.

Physicians

Primary providers who promote the optimal health of their patients during an illness, including Medical doctors (MD) and Doctors of osteopathy (DO).

ARRT Certification

Credential string for a certified and registered individual with ARRT in multiple disciplines, listed in the order earned.

Radiation Therapy Technology

Another field eligible for ARRT certification.