Unlike CT scans, MRI machines do not use radiation.
Radiologic technology involves the production of images of internal body organs and tissues. Individuals working in this field must be trained to protect themselves and patients from exposure to radiation, which is used in many radiologic procedures.
Purpose
The purpose of radiologic technology in the field of medicine is to use special imaging equipment to obtain images of internal organs and structures of the body. These images are used to locate and diagnose medical abnormalities or conditions.
History
Radiologic technology was first used for industrial purposes after the German professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen's discovery of x-rays in 1895. However, x-ray technology was soon used in the dental and medical fields. Through scientific developments of the 20th century, radiologic technology has advanced so that professionals create clearer diagnostic images produced digitally rather than on film, according to the Nondestructive Testing Resource Center.
Types
Radiologic technology expands beyond the development of x-ray film. In computed tomography (CT), x-rays are used to create three-dimensional images of areas inside the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also produces 3D images, but no radiation is used during the process. Nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive drugs to patients to locate internal abnormalities while radiation therapists use radiation as a cancer treatment.
Tags: images internal, radiologic technology, Radiologic technology
