Designers must also consider the psychophysical processes which take place in human beings as they make sense of information received through the visual system. In general, the links of the imaging chain include: You then enter a PET scanner (which looks like a CT scanner) which reads the radiation given off by the radiotracer.The foundation of imaging science as a discipline is the "imaging chain" – a conceptual model describing all of the factors which must be considered when developing a system for creating visual renderings (images).
PET scans use radioactive drugs (called tracers) and a scanning machine to show how your tissues and organs are functioning.Used to diagnose: gallbladder disease breast lumps genital/prostate issues joint inflammation blood flow problems monitoring pregnancy used to guide biopsies.What to expect: A technician applies gel to your skin, then presses a small probe against it, moving it to capture images of the inside of your body.Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and structures within the body.Used to diagnose: aneurysms Multiple Sclerosis (MS) stoke spinal cord disorders tumors blood vessel issues joint or tendon injuries.The MRI magnets create loud tapping or thumping noises.
What to expect: You lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine, which is deeper and narrower than a CT scanner.MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body.Used to diagnose: injuries from trauma bone fractures tumors and cancers vascular disease heart disease infections used to guide biopsies.The x-ray tube rotates around you to take images. What to expect: You will lie on a table that slides into the scanner, which looks like a large doughnut.
CT scans use a series of x-rays to create cross-sections of the inside of the body, including bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.Used to diagnose: bone fractures arthritis osteoporosis infections breast cancer swallowed items digestive tract problems.You may be asked to move into several positions. What to expect: You will lie, sit, or stand while the x-ray machine takes images.X-rays are quick, painless tests that produce images of the structures inside your body, especially bones.Infographic Text: Different Imaging Tests, Explained UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound, PET Scan X-Ray: Learn more about our five most common modalities for our various types of imaging tests: X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and PET. Each modality is unique in terms of the images it gathers, equipment it uses, and conditions it helps radiologists diagnose. On the other hand, if you are getting a mammogram, X-ray would be the modality in use.Īt UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging, we use each modality to perform multiple types of imaging tests to diagnose multiple kinds of conditions. If you’re getting a scan to see if you have a concussion, for instance, CT would be the modality for your exam. Technologists use modalities (different types) to gather the right images for your radiologist to examine. If your doctor has ordered a medical imaging exam for you, you might have questions about the type of scan or test you will be having. Have you ever wondered why there are different types of imaging tests? Or what the differences between the many types of imaging tests are? Learn about the possible modalities and their purposes here.ĭifferent Types of Imaging Tests: Sorting Out the Differences