Radiologic and Imaging Sciences - Chapter 1 Notes

Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences

Energy

  • Defined as the capacity to operate or work.
  • Many forms of energy:
    • Mechanical
    • Electrical
    • Heat
    • Nuclear
    • Electromagnetic

Electromagnetic Energy

  • Plays an important role in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences.
  • The electromagnetic spectrum's placement is related to frequency and wavelength.

Radiography

  • Ionizing radiation is used to create the medical image, potentially harming living tissue.
  • X-rays are man-made.
  • Roentgen Ray is a synonym for x-ray.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

  • Uses high-frequency sound energy to create medical images.
  • Non-ionizing.
  • Has a wide variety of medical applications.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • Uses the energy of high-strength magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the human body.
  • Non-ionizing imaging modality.

CT Scanning

  • Uses X-ray energy and sophisticated software to create cross-sectional images of the human body.
  • Acquires hundreds of views of patient anatomy as the X-ray tube and CT detector rotate around the patient.

Nuclear Medicine

  • Uses the nuclear energy of the atom to create medical images.
  • Energy form is gamma radiation.
  • Uses radioactive isotopes to create gamma radiation.
  • Radiopharmaceuticals are administered to patients to assess physiological functioning.

Cardiovascular Interventional Technology (CVIT)

  • Uses X-rays to visualize human blood vessels and heart anatomy.
  • Requires the use of a catheter and the injection of X-ray contrast material to visualize anatomy.
  • Procedures are performed in a sterile, angiography lab.
  • Cardiovascular interventional technologists work closely with angiographers.

Radiation Therapy

  • Uses very-high-energy ionizing radiation to treat malignant tumors (cancer).
  • Radiation therapists work with other Oncology Team members to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
  • Deals with:
    • Radiation oncology
    • Medical oncology
  • Radiation therapists work with medical dosimetrists to calculate and administer treatment plans.

Mammography

  • Radiologic exam of the breast.
  • Valuable diagnostic tool for the early detection of breast disease.
  • Uses x-ray.

Bone Densitometry

  • Used to diagnose osteoporosis.
  • Uses x-rays.

History of Medicine

  • Timeline goes back 5000 years.
  • Hippocrates is considered the “Father of Western Medicine”.
  • The scientific method was applied to medicine in the 17th century.
  • Louis Pasteur discovered the role of germs in the disease process.
  • Antibiotics and vaccines were discovered in the 20th century.
  • The human genetic code (DNA) was discovered in the mid-20th century.

History of Radiology

  • Discovered by Wilhelm C. Röntgen on November 8, 1895.
  • Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
  • The first known X-ray image is of his wife’s hand.

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

  • Provides credentialing in many areas of the radiologic and imaging sciences:
    • Primary and post-primary pathways
    • 15 disciplines
  • Headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.
  • Website: www.arrt.org
  • Founded in 1922
  • Internationally recognized.
  • Continuing Education requirements to ensure competency like CQR.

ARRT Credentials

  • Bone Densitometry (BD)
  • Breast Sonography (BS)
  • Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI)
  • Cardio-vascular Interventional (CV)
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
  • Mammography (M)
  • Quality Management (QM)
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology (N)
  • Radiation Therapy (T)
  • Radiography (R)
  • Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.)
  • Sonography (S)
  • Vascular Sonography (VS)
  • Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI)

Radiologic and Imaging Sciences as a Career

  • Clinical Practice Standards for Radiography:
    • Developed by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
  • Often begins with a general radiography background denoted as R.T.(R)(ARRT)
  • Specialty areas require additional education and certification.

Career Opportunities

  • Credentialed specialties.
  • Radiology administration: CRA
  • Education
  • Research
  • Commercial entities:
    • Sales
    • Applications
    • Service
    • Biomedical engineering

Education Information

  • Clinical instructor
    • Teaches students primarily on a one-on-one basis in a clinical setting.
  • Clinical Coordinator
    • Has teaching responsibilities along with administrative duties in overseeing clinical education centers.
  • Didactic instructor
    • Teaches students through classroom lectures and lab activities.
  • Program Director
    • Has teaching responsibility, as well as overall administrative responsibility for the entire educational program.
    • Requires a master’s degree.

Health Care Team

  • Team members:
    • Physicians
      • Medical Doctor (MD)
      • Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
    • Nurses
    • Allied health personnel
    • Supporting members (Non-clinical)
  • Most health careers are referred to as allied health.
  • Hospitals are “communities within communities.”

Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic

  • Diagnostic Modalities:
    • Radiography (X-ray)
    • Mammography
    • Sonography (Ultrasound)
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    • Computed Tomography (CT)
    • Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
  • Therapeutic Modalities:
    • Radiation therapy (T)
    • Nuclear Medicine (NM)