Radiologic Technology

Radiologic technology

Radiology is that branch of medicine which relates to the study of imaging technology. These technologies include x-ray and radiation in order to diagnose and treat many diseases.

Radiologic technology thus deals with the use of x-ray machines, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computerized Tomography scans and advancements in nuclear medicine.

A radiologic technologist makes use of radiations in order to create images of different parts of the body, which aid in the detecting any injury or disease. Moreover, in this new age, the increasing complication of radiologic measures has made radiologic technology and other allied technologies a highly specialized science requiring professionally trained and skilled personnel.

The people who are employed in the field of radiologic technology include the personnel who work in either of the following departments.
1. In various medical and surgical set up.
2. In the clinics.

Opportunities to earn a handsome salary in the field of radiologic technology are also enormous. A radiologic technologist can earn in range from $58,099 to $74,714.

The various imaging modalities are made use of in radiologic technology are as follows:

1. CT technology, which includes faster scanning and enhanced resolution and hence a dramatically increased accuracy and also usefulness. Consequently CT scans are being increasing utilized for medical diagnosis. A CT can detect more subtle variations in the body tissues. But a CT scan renders the patient to more ionization and     radiations than a radiograph.
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This technology gives the best of the soft tissue contrast among all the modalities. One disadvantage of this procedure is that the patient is required to hold on for long hours in a cramped space when the imaging is being performed.
3. An ultrasound does not use any ionizing radiations, unlike radiography, nuclear medicine and also CT scans imaging techniques, therefore it is considered safer. This is the reason, that this modality is vital and plays an important role in imaging of fetus. Fetal development can be evaluated using an ultrasound thus allowing timely diagnosis in case of any fetal anomalies before birth.
4. Fluoroscopy is another form of application that uses X-ray imaging. This enables real-time imaging and it involves imaging of structures in motion after administration of a radio contrast agent.

5. Nuclear medicine involves administering the patient’s radiopharmaceuticals. It consists of substances that have affinity for some body tissues. PET or positron emission tomography, scanning is also under nuclear medicine.
There are many upcoming advances in the field of radiologic technology and these in future will ensure better diagnosis, treatment and care.