What Are the 3 Types of Scans?

X-rays continue to be used daily because they serve several purposes.

Uses of X-ray

• Examining bones 
• Identifying problems in specific organs, such as lung diseases (including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Detecting and diagnosing breast cancer
• Identifying certain tumors and other abnormal masses

Method

The process of X-ray imaging involves the energy beam passing through a specific part of your body. The bones or other body parts can obstruct X-ray beams from passing. The result is that their shapes show up on detectors that are used to collect the beams. The detector transforms the X-rays into a digital image for the radiologist to examine.

X-ray beams make use of radiation. Radiation is the release of energy as invisible waves or particles. Exposure to large doses of radiation may cause damage to tissues and cells. This can also increase your risk of cancer. Pregnant women must specifically avoid X-rays, as they can harm the unborn baby.

Modern X-ray tests only use only a small amount of radiation. The human body is exposed to radiation from a variety of sources, including:

• Rock surfaces
• The skies
• Soil

CT scans make use of beams of X-rays to create cross-sectional slices of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.

Uses

CT scans are typically used in:

• Emergency rooms to evaluate strokes or trauma, such as a broken rib
• Diagnosing lung cancer

Method

The beams rotate around the body to produce a 3D image. These pictures contain more information than an ordinary X-ray. The scan is completed within less than one minute.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of using a CT scan include:

• Painless and noninvasive procedure
• No instruments are introduced into the body
• Requires only contrast dye to increase visibility
• Can be performed with an implanted device
• Takes about half an hour to complete

However, CT scans can be associated with radiation risks that could eventually accumulate. Nowadays, most physicians regulate the amount of radiation to avoid cancer risk, as low radiation is associated with less cancer risk.

MRI is a method of imaging that uses magnetic fields instead of radiation, such as X-rays. 

Uses of MRI

• Identifying disorders that affect soft tissue (including the muscles, tendons, and blood vessels)
• Giving information on how the body functions in real-time, for instance, to determine the amount of blood flowing through the vessels
• Identifying tiny blockages or problems within the heart
• Detecting nerve injuries, tumors, brain injuries, and stroke
• Detecting the cause of a headache

Method

It makes use of powerful electromagnetic fields and radio waves to influence water molecules and atoms inside the tissues of the body. When radio waves are shut off, particles release energy, which is identified by the MRI machine.

Atoms in various types of tissue return to normal at different rates and release different quantities of energy. MRI software makes use of this information to generate 3D images of various types of tissues.

Because MRI does not use X-rays, doctors intend to use it more frequently in children. However, MRI machines need you to be lying still for a prolonged period of duration. Therefore, carrying out an MRI scan on children is a difficult task, as they may not lie straight for a long time.

Cautions to be taken before undergoing MRI

• Inform the radiologist if you have any medical device implants, pacemakers, and knee or hip replacements
• Mention any tattoos to avoid skin burns or irritation