One might ask, what is Spectral Computed Tomography (CT)? Spectral CT is a way for us as health professionals to add diagnostic value to our exams by using the full spectrum of an x-ray beam. To summarize, “Spectral CT acquires data sets at both low- and high-kVp settings” (Lentz 2014). Spectral CT was first studied back in the 1980’s, but Stefan Ulzheimer, PhD, said, “Because of various hurdles, it never made it into clinical practice” (Lentz 2014). John W. Steidley, PhD, states in his article Exploring the Spectrum, “While these exercises were of academic interest, CT detector technology at the time wasn’t yet advanced enough to separate the x-ray beam into its component spectrum” (Steidley 2008).
At the moment we have four ways of acquiring Spectral CT imaging. The four ways are; Sequential single-source multi-scan, sequential dual source scan, single-source dual-layer detector, and single-source photon counting. Sequential single-source multi-scan and sequential dual-source CT scanners focus on using two kVp energies with conventional detectors, where as the single-source dual-layer and single-source photon counting CT scanners focus on using a single kVp energy and use innovative spectral CT detectors to separate the x-ray beam spectrum (Steidley 2008).
Sequential single-source, multi-scan imaging is our simplest and oldest form of spectral imaging. An example of this method is to, “…simply acquire two scans-one at a low kVp and one at a high kVp setting.”(Steidley 2008). A benefit to this method is it requires nothing other than a standard CT scanner, giving no added cost to the facility. As always there are disadvantages with everything, we find quite a significant one with this method. Lentz states, “…it presents significa...
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...d a more accurate material and tissue representation and decomposition”(Altman, Ami).
Spectral CT imaging has a lot of potential in the future; it is only a matter of developing the current ideas into better methods than they are now. The Dual-layer detector method is showing promise in its investigative trials. Olszewski says, “With the IQon Spectral CT, there is potential to identify the iodinated contrast within the image and allow for its selective visualization, thus allowing the elimination of the first step” (Lentz 2014), the first step being the non-contrast exam before hand. He goes on to say, “you have the ability to remove the contrast agent after the scan…”(Lentz 2014). If the claims Olszewski is making are true, it could cause large reductions in radiation doses to patients, shorter exam times for patient, and increased work efficiency for departments.
What needs to be assessed is how these full body scans are produced. It is produced through radiation through computed tomography. And, is the amount of radiation that a patient is receiving necessary. Radiation exposure is harmful. According to the FDA website
These gamma rays, produced by the annihilation of a positron and an electron, leave the patient’s body and are detected by the PET scanner. The detection of positron-annihilation events forms the heart of any PET scanner. In most systems, the Gamma detector is a BGO (bismuth germinate oxide) crystal, a high-density scintillator. When it is combined with high performance photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), the detection of 511 KeV gamma rays is possible.
Driver, (2013), described the DEXA scanner as a machine that produces two x-ray beams of high and low energy levels. Much like fluoroscopy, the x-ray from the DEXA scanner comes from underneath the patient, and the scanner has a very low x-ray dose. Earlier versions of the DEXA scanner emitted radiation which required up to five minutes to scan an area of interest, but the more advanced machines can take as ...
The dream that I most desire in life is to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. I’ve always had an interest in the inner workings of the human body, but I also value life, and care for others, and my happiness is the happiness of others. Although this career has its bumps on the road just to see mothers face light up when they see the image of their unborn baby is such a breath taking experience. This all originated from going to one of my sisters’ ultrasound appointment that I ended up going to all my sisters’ ultrasound appointments. I believe becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer is something I can do because I have what it takes. Diagnostic medical sonographer is imaging modality that can work in conjunction with other imaging modalities
As a starting point in CT diagnostic imaging the form of radiation used to provide an image are x-rays photons , this can also be called an external radiation dose which detect a pathological condition of an organ or tissue and therefore it is more organ specific. However the physics process can be described as the radiation passes through the body it is received by a detector and then integrated by a computer to obtain a cross-sectional image (axial). In this case the ability of a CT scanner is to create only axial two dimensional images using a mathematical algorithm for image reconstruction. In contrast in RNI the main property for producing a diagnostic image involves the administration of small amounts of radiotracers or usually called radiopharmaceutical drugs to the patient by injection or oral. Radio meaning the emitted of gamma rays and pharmaceutical represents the compound to which a nuclide is bounded or attached. Unlike CT has the ability to give information about the physiological function of a body system. The radiopharmaceutical often referred to as a nuclide has the ability to emit ga...
What would Wilhelm Roentgen, the father of X-ray, say about the technological discoveries in radiology today? Since the start of X-rays in 1895 significant advancements have revolutionized the field of radiology. One illustrates how different scanners have improved, in addition how picture archiving communication system can assist doctors, and finally the outlook on the future of radiology.
Radiologic Technologists use radiation to produce images of tissue, organs, and vessels that make up the body, as well as cancer, tumors, broken bones, and tumors (Cape Fear Community College). If a person is in the medical imaging field to become a Radiologic Technologist to help people, this part of the job is what grabs their attention, because as soon as they find these problems they omit the images to a doctor that helps take care of it. Radiologic Technologist is a branch of Health Science Cluster Diagnostic services pathway (OkCollegeStart). When a person’s knows where their career choice starts it helps get a better overview of where to start and helps get them where they want to be. Radiologic Technologists review and evaluate developed x-ray, videotape, or computer generated information to determine if images are “satisfactory for diagnostic purposes” (OkCollegeStart). Persons who are more technology driven are attracted to this career because of the technology a person gets to use and process. Radiologic
Ultrasound Technicians are very valuable in the world of health care. Also known as Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, an Ultrasound Technician uses special machines and equipment that operates on sound waves to determine or diagnose medical problems for patients. There are specializations within this field in which some individuals explore. For instance, areas of specialization includes but not limited to; pregnancy, heart health, gynecology, and abdominal sonography. Although each specializing branch has its own distinctive function, they all involve probing the body to facilitate doctors with diagnoses.
Radiology is one of the few so-called “physical-science”-based fields of medicine, making it a challenging and rewarding application of an academic interest in science. It combines advanced knowledge of human physiology with principles of atomic physics and nuclear decay, electricity and magnetism, and both organic and inorg...
To investigate this further, I decided to adapt the survey from Bullen et al. (2011) and distribute it to higher education students in the undergraduate and graduate radiologic science programs at Midwestern State University as well as doctoral students at the University of North Texas. Before using this survey for an official study, the validity and reliability of the instrument needed to be
Radiology technology is a science of using radiation to produce images. There are many jobs you can perform in diagnostic imaging usually a radiologic technologist will oft...
Radiology Technology, a rapidly expanding work field, has seen a recent spike in job availability and opportunities. In 2012, 229,300 Radiology Technologist jobs were available, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. That number is projected to increase 21% by 2022. With only an Associate’s Degree required for entry-level Radiology positions and a median pay of $55,910, it is quickly becoming a popular job option. A higher demand for Radiologic technologists is also coming about due to longer life spans, creating more of a market for certain types of diagnostic imaging. “As the population grows older, there will be an increase in medical conditions, such as breaks and fractures caused by osteoporosis, which can require imaging to diagnose them” (“Radiologic and MRI…”). With technological advancements and longer life spans due to a more detailed and accurate medical understanding, the Radiology field is a rapidly expanding work field that requires minimal training and an optimal entry-level salary.
d) Beyer T, Freudenberg L, Townsend D, Czernin J (2010). The future of hybrid imaging—part 1: Hybrid imaging technologies and SPECT/CT. Insights Into Imaging: 1-9. [PMC free article]. URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288981/
For so many years I’ve asked myself the question, “what are you going to do with your life?” For a period of time I struggled with this question. Today, I sit staring at my computer, confronting myself, asking my subconscious “what do I want to do for the rest of my life?” Have I finally found the answer I 've been looking for, or am I under the false assumption that this is the right path for me. This semester has been the ultimate opportunity to explore my questions, doubt, issues, and concerns. I feel that by the end of this paper I will have answered all these questions, and will have made the best decision for my future.