October is National Ultrasound Awareness Month. Thanks to images that joyful parents-to-be often share with family and friends, most people are familiar with medical ultrasound. But ultrasound goes far beyond prenatal care – it plays a key role in helping doctors understand patients’ needs for a range of health conditions.

According to Nick Kinnard, director of imaging services at Aultman Hospital, an ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to perform diagnostic imaging of the body. It is invaluable for obtaining images or video of internal organs, soft tissues and vascular structures.

Ultrasound is just one of many imaging modalities that providers may choose to help them diagnose when a patient is feeling pain, having mobility problems or exhibiting other health issues. Here’s what to know about various imaging services doctors may order to understand more about your medical needs.

X-ray. X-ray is a common method of diagnostic imaging that uses low-dose ionizing radiation to create an image of structures inside the body. X-ray is fast and painless. Healthcare providers use X-rays for patient diagnosis and treatment. A healthcare provider may recommend X-rays to look for bone fractures, tumors, injuries or signs of pneumonia in the lungs.

MRI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technology used to generate 2D and 3D images of your body’s anatomy and physiological processes. Unlike traditional imaging techniques, an MRI scanner uses a powerful magnet, varying magnetic fields and radio waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. An MRI machine does not use low-dose ionizing radiation like an X-ray does.

CT. Computed Tomography (CT) scans are medical imaging tests that use ionizing radiation to create cross-sectional (slices) pictures inside selected areas of the body from different angles. The images from CT scans can show internal organs, blood vessels, soft tissues and bones. CT scans are often used to look for signs of tumors, infections, blood clots and internal bleeding. Some CT procedures may use a contrast, which allows healthcare providers to see greater diagnostic detail within certain tissues.

Mammography. Mammography uses a low energy X-ray to image breast tissue, often to aid in early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Interventional Radiology (IR). Interventional radiologists diagnose and treat disease. Radiology technologists and registered nurses help the radiologist treat a wide range of conditions in the body by inserting various small devices such as catheters or wires from outside the body. X-ray and ultrasound help guide the radiologist. IR can be used as an alternative to avoid more invasive surgical procedures.

Nuclear Medicine/PET. Nuclear medicine is an imaging specialty that uses small doses of radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate bodily functions and diagnose disease. A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan uses a radioactive tracer to show an organ’s function in real time. This imaging is often paired with CT to create 2D and 3D images to allow for a more thorough exam.

Visit Aultman’s imaging services page to learn more about imaging care at Aultman.

Sources:
Aultman Health System
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The StayWell Company, LLC