About Diagnostic Imaging

Magnetic imaging of the human body uses the process of diagnostic imaging to determine and diagnose patients suffering from medical conditions. Many imagings are performed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)  and CT scans. A medical professional later interprets the image to diagnose a specific problem. Both MRI and CT scans  have different degrees of effectiveness.

Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging produces pictures of human body structures and organs and is used to detect abnormalities and determine the extent of disease conditions. Treatment plans use imaging results to determine appropriate and effective treatment. Two of the most widely used diagnostic imaging processes are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) Scan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a combination technique of a magnetic field, a computer and radio waves to present a detailed image of the human anatomy. For that reason, MRI's produce better soft tissue images than X-rays and are generally used to diagnose the spine and brain, the musculoskeletal and vascular systems and the thorax area between the neck and the diaphragm.

The MRI exam is conducted by placing a patient inside the scanner, which produces a magnetic field approximately 8,000 times stronger than the earth's magnetic field. Patients who are claustrophobic can elect to be tested in an open MRI machine.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Computed Tomography, or CT scan, produces a diagnostic image of anatomy at different levels within the body using the method of cross-sectional imaging. CT scans are utilized to check for internal bleeding, blood clots, tumors and evidence of stroke.

The scan tests are also used to determine the medical stages of advanced cancer. Physicians rely on CT scans to render treatment plans for individual patients at different stages of cancer. The scan is also used for biopsy analysis.