Rad tech 1

Modality

different ways to get diagnosis

diagnostic radiography

basic xray images

CT

Computed Tomography

multiple x-ray measurements, computer makes them into cross-sectional slices

qualifications for CT

non-entry level

primary and secondary paths

primary learning pathway

formal schooling/training, takes exam

secondary learning pathway

get hired, recieve on-the-job training

interventional radiology, cardiac cath lab

diagnostic and therapeutic

used to help with performing procedures

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy to make images

uses for MRI

• brain

• spinal cord

• muscles

• ligaments

• tendons

• soft tissues

uses for interventional radiology

guides procedures involving:

• blood vessels

• cardiovascular system

• peripheral vessels

• cranial vessels

• renal system

• hepatic system

• lymphatic system

• vertebral reconstruction

uses for CT

• internal bleeding

• fractures

• head injuries

• certain types of stroke findings

uses for diagnostic radiography

• skull

• spine

• extremities

• GI system (gastrointestinal)

• GU system (genitourinary)

sonography

ultrasound. uses sound waves to make an image

nuclear medicine

administers radiopharmaceuticals to patients

patient becomes source of radiation that the imaging equipment detects

PET

positron emission tomography

SPECT

single photon emission computed tomography

radiation therapy

uses radiation to treat condition

pre-roentgen era

before x-rays were discovered

electricity and vacuum tubes were usedc

crookes tube

vacuum tube containing small amount of gas

helped discover x-rays

how did the crookes tube work?

1. gas became ionized

2. electrons released

3. electrons accelerated away from cathode

4. certain materials would glow

5. dense objects could create shadows

willhelm conrad rontgen

discovered x-rays

experimented with crookes tube, noticed barium platinocyanide glowing away from tube. discovered new type of ray (x-ray)

when were x-rays discovered?

nov 8, 1895

first radiograph?

rontgens wife’s hand

why were x-rays dangerous?

• erythema

• burns

• hair loss

• cancer

• death

clarence dally

first work related death due to radiation exposure

worked with thomas edison with fluoroscopy research

ALARA

As Low As Reasonably Achievable

Three Cardinal Rules

1. time

2. Distance

   1. Shielding

radiology

x-rays, radium, and radioactive substance used for diagnosis and treatment

diagnostic imaging

broad, covers:

• x-rays

• radium

• radioactive substance

• sound waves

• radio frequencies/magnetic fields

radiograph

photographic record made by x-rays going through object

image

broader record than x-rays

electromagnetic energy

light waves that have lengths, frequency, and velocity

wavelength

distance between one crest to the next

frequency

number of cycles per second

light wave cycle

one positive and negative alternation

velocity

speed of the wave. they all travel at the same speed