Scan Facts

Diagnostic imaging means using all kinds of complex machinery to make pictures or images of the body to help diagnose and understand a problem.
Many imaging techniques are called scans, because they involve scanning a beam around the patient, to and fro in lines or waves.
CT scans rotate an X-ray beam around the patient while moving him or her slowly forward. This gives a set of pictures showing different slices of the patient’s body.
CT stands for computerized tomography.
MRI scans surround the patient with such a strong magnet that all the body’s protons (tiny atomic particles) turn the same way. A radio pulse is then used to knock the protons in and out of line, sending out radio signals that the scanner picks up to give the picture.
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.
PET scans involve injecting the patient with a mildly radioactive substance, which flows around with the blood and can be detected because it emits (gives out) particles called positrons.
PET stands for positron emission tomography.
PET scans are good for seeing how blood flow alters to a particular part of the body.
Scans allow scientists to track blood through a live brain and see which areas are in action.

This entry is filed under Interesting Facts.