Understanding diagnostic tools
For many patients, there is a confusion and misunderstanding about the various kinds of medical
tests doctors order for their patients. It is important to understand that each of the diagnostic tools is used for different reasons, in terms of medical
diagnosis. If you are a person concerned about the kinds of medical
tests that are scheduled for you or a member of your family, know that
your doctor has been well trained and is aware of the most appropriate
diagnostic tests.
To explain these tests, look at the definitions of each one:
CAT:
"A computerized axial
tomography scan is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the
aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed,
three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the
body." (1)
CAT may also be referred to as
a CT scan or CAT scan. Numerous x-ray images or slices called tomograms are
taken at various angles and when put together, form a three dimensional picture
of an organ. (2)
MRI:
"An MRI (or magnetic
resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio
waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures." (3)
X-ray:
"X-radiation (composed of
X-rays) is a form of electromagnetic radiation." (4)
An x-ray is an image or picture taken with the use of radiation techniques; for example, the
bones in a hand may be x-rayed..
"In many languages,
X-radiation is called Rontgen radiation after Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen, who is
credited as their discoverer, and who had called them X-rays to signify an
unknown type of radiation." (5)
Ultrasound:
"Ultrasound is cyclic
sound pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing.
Although this limit varies from person to person, it is approximately 20
kilohertz (20,000) in healthy, young adults..." (6)
While diagnostic tests are
costly and cost is an important factor that must be taken into consideration
with regard to medical treatment, particularly in this current era of severe, economic global decline, patients must trust their doctors to order the
diagnostic tests that are the most appropriate in each situation, because each
test is specific in its own way.
For example, the following
diagnostic tests may be used for these purposes:
CAT - analysis of internal
structures of the body including the head for traumatic injuries (blood clots
and fractures), tumors, infections, anatomy of vertebrae, inter-vertebral discs
and spinal cord, bone density, organ anatomy, chest tumors, cysts or
infections, abnormal changes in body from trauma (7)
MRI - disease detection
throughout the body, bleeding or swelling in the brain, brain aneurysms,
stroke, brain tumors, tumors or inflammation of the spine, spinal cord trauma,
problems with vertebrae or inter-vertebral discs, structure of heart or aorta,
information on glands or organs in abdomen, structure of joints, soft tissues
and bones (8)
X-ray - skeletal system,
disease processes in soft tissue like pneumonia, lung cancer and pulmonary
edema, intestinal obstruction, visceral perforation, fluid in the abdomen,
gallstones and kidney stones, treatment of cancer (9)
Ultrasound- to penetrate a
medium, measure the reflection signature or supply focused energy, ultrasound
or sonogram pictures of the fetus in a womb, medical imaging of muscles,
tendons and internal organs, pathological lesions, soft tissue imaging of
heart, kidney, liver and gallbladder, musculo-skeletal imaging, eye scans, scans
of testicle, thyroid, salivary glands and lymph glands, intervention procedures
for biopsy, veins and arteries (10)
Want to know more about
diagnostic tests? Do online research or ask your doctor about the tests that he
has arranged for you. He or she will be happy to explain them to you
in a way that you understand why you need to have certain tests
done.
(2) Ibid.
(5) Ibid.
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