Doctors often request imaging tests to help diagnose and define the treatment of various diseases, however, there are currently several imaging tests that may be indicated based on the person’s symptoms and characteristics and the doctor’s assessment, such as ultrasound, x-rays, CT scans, and scans: although these tests are imaging tests , all have different indications and applications.
Ultrasound is a type of imaging test that allows real-time visualization of any organ or tissue in the body, it is the most suitable test for pregnant women, since there is no radiation emission, so it is not harmful to the fetus. The test is done with a doppler, it is possible to observe blood flow. Understand how ultrasound is performed.
Ultrasound can help diagnose and treat a number of situations, including:
During pregnancy, ultrasound is widely used to monitor fetal development and identify possible malformations, such as anencephaly and heart disease, for example. See how ultrasound is done during pregnancy.
X-rays are the oldest and most commonly used imaging test to identify fractures, for example, because it allows for faster diagnosis because it is a simpler and less expensive test compared to CT scans, for example. It can identify infections and injuries to various organs, such as the lungs.
To complete the exam, no preparation is required and the test takes about 10 to 15 minutes; However, due to minimal radiation exposure, this test is not suitable for pregnant women, mainly because x-rays can influence fetal development. Children should avoid taking X-rays frequently, because as they develop, radiation can interfere with bone growth, for example. Learn about the risks of X-rays during pregnancy.
CT is a test that uses x-rays to obtain the image, but the device generates sequential images that allow for better organ visualization and more accurate diagnosis, since radiation is also used, no CT should be performed on pregnant women and other types of an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, should be performed.
CT scans are usually indicated to help diagnose muscle and bone diseases, detect bleeding and aneurysms, investigate kidney defects, pancreatitis, infections, and track tumors. Find out what CT scans are for.
Scanning is an image examination that allows the visualization of organs and their functionality by administration of a radioactive substance, called a radiopharmaceutical or radioraxer, which is absorbed by the organs and identified by the equipment through the radiation emitted, generating an image.
As the analysis of organ function allows, the scan is widely used in oncology to identify the location of tumors and look for the presence of metastasis, but can also be requested by the doctor in other situations, such as:
With regard to oncology, it is usually indicated by the doctor to perform a complete body scan, or ICP, which allows to identify the primary location of breast, bladder, thyroid cancer, among others, and evaluate the progression of the disease and the presence of metastasis. Understand how full-body scanning is performed and what it is used for.