X-ray VS CT Scan VS MRI. How To Have Better Dialogue With Your Doctor?
Diagnostic imaging tests are frequently ordered by doctors when they need to observe what is going on within your body. These imaging tests come in various forms that aid the doctor in making a precise diagnosis and selecting the best course of action. Each imaging test uses a different technology to produce pictures that help your doctor recognise particular medical issues. In this blog, we’ll talk about different kinds of tests such as Xray, CT scans, and MRIs.
Although having these tests done could make you nervous, diagnostic imaging scans are often painless and non-invasive. Even so, it might be beneficial to comprehend each one’s operation and typical applications. When you know what to anticipate, understanding the distinctions between x-rays, CT scans, and MRI exams can help alleviate your mind.
What is an X-ray?
The most common diagnostic imaging test is the X-ray, which is also readily available. Even if you need more advanced body scans, an x-ray is what they will do initially. They emit radiation, and as it passes through your body, bone and other dense substances stop it, appearing white on the x-ray image. Less dense tissues are difficult to discern and have a greyish appearance. Although a small amount of x-ray radiation is not dangerous, the doctor will take extra care if you are expecting.
Process of Xray:
The doctor will arrange your body part for scanning between the digital x-ray sensor or photographic film and the x-ray machine. You must remain still as the equipment momentarily passes radiation through your body. During your x-ray process, you will be positioned at various angles.
If you just fractured one limb, the doctor may wish to compare the x-rays of both fractured and unbroken limbs. X-ray sessions typically last up to ten minutes. The photos are immediately ready. They are often produced from x-ray film or written on a CD for computer screen viewing.
Benefits of Xray:
While taking x-rays, you could occasionally have a contrast dye injected into a joint. This process, also known as an “arthrogram,” aids in defining the soft tissue architecture of the joint. Additionally, it could make it easier to insert a needle into a joint while administering a drug or draining fluid.
X-ray images could not be as detailed as those made using more advanced techniques. Although they are frequently on hand in the doctor’s office, they are the most popular tool for assessing an orthopaedic problem.
Types of Xray:
Here are two common kinds of X-rays.
Soft x-rays:
Soft x-ray wavelengths are relatively brief, at around 10 nanometers (nanometers are one-billionth of a meter). So, they can be positioned between gamma rays and ultraviolet (UV) light in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum.
Hard x-rays:
The wavelength of a hard x-ray is around 100 picometers. A picometer is one trillionth of a meter. On the EM spectrum, they are located in the same region as gamma rays.
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan produces high-quality, detailed pictures of the body. The spine, vertebrae, and internal organs are all captured in a 360-degree picture using a more potent and advanced x-ray. For the doctor to properly observe your bodily structures on the CT scan, you could have a contrast dye injected into your blood. A clinician can identify medical issues using pictures of bones, blood arteries, soft tissue, and organs created by a CT scan.
Purpose of CT scan:
It can help doctors to diagnose Appendicitis, Cancer, Trauma, Heart disease, Musculoskeletal disorders, and Infectious diseases. You can further use CT scans for tumour detection and assessing lung or chest issues. A CT scanner resembles a large box with a tunnel running through it.
The machine spins around you as you lay on a sliding table that glides you into and out of this tunnel, creating cross-sectional photographs of your body. A different room will house the computers used to display the photos while your technologist conducts the test there. They’ll use a microphone and speakers to speak to you.
Types of CT scans:
Here are two kinds of CT scans.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) CT Scan:
The PET CT scan enables the doctor to view the structure and amount of activity of certain human organs and tissues. Before your test, you’ll be given a “tracer” substance containing glucose and a trace amount of radioactive material.
This tracer traverses your body’s systems. It functions as a dye for the imaging scan to detect. More dye will be taken up and appear as bright spots on the picture if there is considerable chemical activity in certain locations, alerting the doctor to potential sickness.
For most people, the tracer’s radiation dosage is safe and negligible. Depending on the region of the body being investigated, the tracer will either be injected, inhaled, or ingested. Doctors frequently use PET scans to find cancer, tumours, and brain illnesses.
CT Urography:
A specialist radiological examination is called a CT urography to evaluate the urinary system, including the ureters, kidneys, and bladder. It’s a cutting-edge technique that creates cross-sectional scans of your whole body using computed tomography.
Doctors can decide on the best course of therapy because of the detailed pictures of the inside organs. This examination is most frequently used to check for blood in your urine and find kidney stones.
The procedure of CT Scan:
CT scanners have the appearance of a big doughnut turned on its side. You are placed on a small, motorised table that glides into the tunnel via the hole. You might need straps and cushions to keep you in place. A customised cradle that maintains your head steady throughout the head scan may be installed on the table.
You move inside the scanner by the table while the detectors and the X-ray tube circle around you. Each revolution produces several pictures of your body in narrow slices. You could hear whirring and buzzing sounds.
You can see and hear a techie who is in a different room. Intercom communication with the techie will be possible. The technologist could urge you to hold your breath at specific times to prevent blurring the pictures.
What Occurs Throughout a CT Scan?
If your doctor ordered a contrast for the computed tomography scan, the fluid would be injected into your body. You could be asked to drink contrast if you need to get a scan of your digestive system. You’ll dress in hospital gowns or scrubs (top and bottoms), then lie down on a table that looks much like the one used for an MRI.
The scanning machine, which is significantly quicker and quieter than an MRI, glides into the table. Throughout the exam, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort. Throughout the scan, your body is not touched. Most scans are completed in 10 minutes.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging is referred to as MRI. This image creates a picture of your bones, tissues, and organs using radio waves and powerful magnets. A thorough, in-depth examination of your tissues or organs is possible with an MRI scan. Using MRIs, doctors may identify several problems, such as:
- Breast cancer
- Tumour
- joint abnormalities
- Blood vessel irregularities
- Brain problems
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
- Liver disease
- Bone disorders
Process of MRI:
You might require a contrast agent before the scan. You may occasionally undergo an MRI with contrast dye after a scan without it. You can either swallow the solution or have it injected into a vein, depending on what regions of your body are being scanned.
After removing all your clothes and jewellery, you’ll put on a hospital gown or a pair of medical scrubs (top and bottom). The scanning table will slide into the gadget when you lie on it. You can use the earplugs or headphones provided. While operating, the MRI machine creates a lot of noise.
You might have to hold your breath for some scans during the scanning procedure. Even respiratory movements might have an impact on the outcomes. MRIs don’t hurt and can last up to an hour, but some may go a little longer.
Benefits of MRI:
Compared to a CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging yields crisper pictures. An MRI is better than x-rays or CT scans when doctors need to see soft tissues. Compared to CT images, MRIs can produce images of organs and soft tissues like damaged ligaments and herniated discs that are more accurate.
MRI vs CT scan: what’s the difference between them?
MRIs and CT scans differ from one another in several ways. Typically, your doctor will select the most appropriate scanning method for your circumstance. Here are a few distinctions between the two.
A CT scan is good if a patient cannot have an MRI. CT scans produce images of soft tissues and bones. They do not reveal minute variations across different types of tissue as well as MRIs do.
Cost:
MRIs cost roughly twice as much as CT scans. An MRI typically costs £2,000, but the average computed tomography scan costs roughly £1,200.
Quickness:
CT scans are substantially faster than MRI. The precise time depends on whether a contrast dye is necessary for the operation, although MRIs always take longer to complete the scan. While an MRI might take up to an hour or more, a normal CT scan takes ten minutes.
Images:
Particularly for soft tissues and areas beneath bones, MRIs will yield clearer, more detailed data that may obstruct views on CT scans.
Sound capacity:
You will receive earplugs or headphones to lessen the impact on your ears because MRIs frequently involve loud noises. Unlike MRIs, CT scans are significantly quieter, so you won’t need earplugs.
How to talk to your doctors about types of imaging?
Understanding how a CT scan, MRI, and X-ray vary from one another may help you take a more active part in your treatment. Asking your doctor, the rationale behind a particular imaging test recommendation is always advisable. Your doctor will frequently speak with a radiologist about the required test.
The proper diagnosis, a crucial component of efficient therapy, may be reached with the help of the appropriate imaging. It’s critical to select an imaging facility with a wide range of technology and radiologists and technicians with expertise and training in certain body parts, illnesses, and imaging procedures.
If you have any questions regarding this, talk to your doctor. Iodine contrast dyes are frequently used in CT scans. If you are, an MRI could be a better option for you. Those who are sensitive to iodine may get severe allergic responses.
Pregnant women who require abdominal imaging run the risk of radiation exposure to the unborn child during a CT scan. Tell your doctor about your worries about the radiation dangers associated with a CT scan if you’re expecting. Ask if a different imaging choice well enough.
For an MRI, X-ray, or CT scan, Visit Megarad’s Diagnostic Imaging Centres:
Your experience with an MRI or CT scan depends on your chosen institution. Visit a diagnostic imaging facility that collaborates with you to provide the best possible experience. We offer open MRI scanners, open bore, and short bore machines to make the scan more pleasant and less restricting if your doctor recommends one.
Additionally, our facilities are equipped with the latest MRI technology, which is ideal for this kind of examination. We offer the best CT scanners to produce 3D pictures of your body, like our MRI scanners. We maximise your time; most scans are finished in under an hour. You won’t have to call your insurance provider to confirm coverage since we’ll arrange the scan when that works for you.
Our offices work with your insurance provider to determine how much your plan will cover the scan. Rely on our imaging facilities, which offer the shortest turnaround times in the business, when your doctor wants speedy findings from your scan. Our imaging tools are swift and clear, which helps your doctor quickly and precisely identify your illness.
To schedule an appointment for your MRI, X-ray, or CT scan, get in touch with us. As we do for all of our patients, we will treat your time and health with the utmost care. Visit us for whatever imaging you require, including mammograms and MRIs.
