Radiologic Technology is generally an unfamiliar term to most of the people. Usually, when someone is ask about it, they would probably reply “Radio Repair” or Radio Technician.
The purpose of this blog is to introduce to readers how promising this field is.; and to begin with, important terms must be defined first. The definition of the folliwng terms are derived from RA 7431, also known as Radiologic Technology Act of 1992.
a. Radiology – a branch of medical science, which deals with the use of radiation in the diagnosis, treatment and research of diseases
b. Radiologic technology – an auxiliary branch of radiology which deals with the technical application of radiation, such as x-rays, beta rays, gamma rays, ultrasound and radio frequency rays, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
c. Radiologic Technologist - a bona fide holder of a certificate of registration for radiologic technology issued by the Board of Radiologic Technology
d. Radiologist - is a licensed physician who specializes in the diagnosis or treatment of disease with the use of radiation.
Now that I have defined the important terminologies, allow me to give a short overview of some of the major scopes that Radiologic Technology encompasses.
1. Conventional Radiography
2. Ultrasound/Ultrasonography
3. Fluoroscopy
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging
5. Nuclear Medicine
6. Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
7. Mammography
8. Digital Subtraction Angiography
9. Radiation Therapy
Conventional Radiography includes the basic x-ray examinations like chest x-rays. This scope uses x-rays to image certain anatomy of interest that is requested by the physician/s.
Ultrasound, which is also termed as ultrasonography, is a non-invasive procedure which uses sound to image a specific area. The image/s can be readily seen through a tv/computer monitor and diagnoses may be made immediately. If the patient requests for a printed a copy, it is also possible by printing using a special paper (heat-sensitive).
Fluoroscopy is a radiographic procedure, which uses fluoroscope to see the anatomy “in action” or “live”. This means that during the course of examination, movements of the internal organs can be viewed in real time.
Some fluoroscopic examinations use contrast material (also known as dye) to enhance the the image being examined. This helps the radiologist and the radiologic technologist to better see the area of interest being irradiated.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a radiographic procedures that uses supermagnets instead of the conventional x-rays. Generally, this procedure is very helpful in terms of soft tissue studies.
Nuclear Medicine is a specialized field in radiology which introduces controlled radioactive substance to patient, who later emits gamma ray (instead of x-rays). The gamma rays emitted by patients are picked up by a special sensing device and displays the image on a screen. This field is useful for determination of the extent of cancer metastasis to the human body.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan is an x-ray examination, somewhat similar to conventional x-ray examinations because it also uses x-rays to image the area of anatomic interest. But this field is helpful for detailed investigation because it provides a cross-sectional view of the anatomy.
Mammography is a radiographic study of the breast. This is primarily done to locate or evaluate the breast for possible lesions and cancer, among others.
Digital Subtraction Angiography is an invasive radiographic procedure which deals with the blood vessels.
Radiation Therapy is a therapeutic filed of the radiologic technology. This field uses radioactive materials to irriadiate and, eventually, kill cancer cells. Unlike Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy only invades the cancer-affected area and the biological effect is only minimal depending on the extent of cancer.
Now that some major scopes of the Radiologic Technology Field have been discussed, I hope that this field will be given equal regards as any other course.
