Radiology and medical imaging are common terms used in the healthcare sector. However, most commonly, patients think that they refer to the same concept. Let us remove their confusion.

Radiology refers to a branch in the medical field, which involves using radiant energy for diagnosing and treating diseases. Radiologists use imaging technologies for this purpose.

Medical imaging technology is used by professional radiologists. It seems that radiology is always about using radiation. But, MRI does not need radiation in medical imaging technology.

Other medical imaging technologies include PET scans, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds. In the Radiology Centre at Harding, you can find diagnosing services using these technologies. 

Do radiology and medical imaging have similarities?

Radiologists use medical imaging processes to diagnose, monitor and treat various conditions of a body without applying invasive techniques. Radiologists are of different types depending on the choice of the field of medicine and the type of patients treated. Physicians also rely on these technologies to check the internal condition of your body without surgery.

Radiology can be classified into different ways

• Diagnostic- It is about treating and diagnosing different diseases for treatments. Pediatric radiology and neuroradiology are some subspecialties. 
• Interventional- This radiology is intended to check your thorax, pelvic, and abdominal parts.  
• Radiation oncology- Radiologists in this field use technology to diagnose cancer patients. Thus, radiation oncologists work with cancer treatment providers to offer the best service to patients. 

Describing medical imaging technologies briefly

• PET scans

Positron Emission Tomography is an innovative technology that involves using radiotracers to display tissue function and organs. This scan is used for diagnosing different diseases like heart disorders, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.

• Ultrasound

Ultrasound technology that involves using sound waves helps in checking the condition of a pregnant woman. However, breast lumps can also be detected using this technology.

• MRI

Using magnetic waves, MRI helps you detect various conditions like stroke, tumors, and spinal cord issues.

Your doctor will identify the type of tests you should take to diagnose the diseases. You should follow doctor’s instructions to ensure an accurate diagnosis. 

Medical imaging technology is beneficial in various ways-

• It helps physicians to detect the disease earlier.
• The technology is highly valuable in treating asymptomatic conditions.
• Medical imaging provides accurate and faster-diagnosing solutions to identify the disease.
• Doctors can decide whether you need surgery for treatment or rely on medications.

In most cases, you do not need special preparation to undergo the scanning processes. 

You should not confuse medical imaging with medical animation. They are different concepts. Medical animation is a way to create a 3D educational film related to the physiological process. New models are created using this technology. 

Having a clear concept of these terms is very important. Although your doctor will explain to you, it is better to know the basics of radiology and medical imaging technologies. The medical field is advancing slowly. So, you may find the emergence of more technologies in the coming years to ensure better diagnosis.