Bonewit: Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants, 8th Edition
Chapter 14: Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging
Content Outline
Introduction to Radiology
1. Radiology:
2. Radiologist:
3. Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen
a.
Contrast Media
1. Differences in density between body structures: produce shadows on film
a. Examples
• 
• 
• 2. Contrast medium:
a.
3. Usually consist of radiopaque chemicals
a. Cause body tissue or organ to absorb more radiation
•

Provides a contrast in density between the structure and
surrounding area
b. Tissue or organ: becomes visible and appears white on film
4. Administered through various routes:
a.
b.
c.
d.
5. Types of contrast media
a.
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- Does not alter normal function
b.
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Fluoroscopy
1. Fluoroscope:
2. Fluoroscopy:
a.
Mammography
1.
2. Used to
a.
b.
3. Uses low doses of x-rays
4. Abnormal area: appears different from normal breast tissue
5.
a.
b.
6. With early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer:
a.
Bone Density Scan
1. Enhanced form of x-ray technology
2.
a.
3. As individual ages
a. Bones may become less dense:
• 
Causes them to become brittle and weak
• 
May lead to a bone fracture
4.
a.
•
•
b.
c.
5.
a.

Condition in which there is a gradual loss of calcium causing bones to
become:
- Thinner
- More fragile
- More likely to break

Postmenopausal women are at particular risk
- Women above age 65 years should have a bone density scan every 2 years
b.
6. During a DEXA scan:
a.
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7.
a. May undergo DEXA to determine if therapy is working
Gastrointestinal Series
1. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI)
a.
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b.
c. Examples of disorders
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d. Procedure may be performed when patient complains of:
e. Contrast medium used: barium mixed with water and flavoring
•  Resembles a milkshake
•  Chalky taste
f. Before drinking barium:
•  Patient may drink a carbonated beverage
- Consists of baking soda granules
- Puts air into stomach
(1) Causes it to expand
g. Combination of air and barium
•  Allows stomach to be viewed in greater detail
2. Lower gastrointestinal radiography
a.
•
•
 Fluoroscopy
 Radiography
b.
c.
• Using catheter inserted into rectum (through anus)
d. Used to diagnose disorders of colon:
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-Examples: ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
e. Colon must be thoroughly cleansed in advance
• To remove gas and fecal material
- Gas: shows up as confusing shadows
- Fecal material: obscures image of colon
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g. Double-contrast barium enema radiographic study
Intravenous Pyelography (IVP)
1. Radiograph of
a
b.
c.
2. Used to diagnose
a.
b.
c.
Other Types of Radiographs
1. Angiocardiogram
a.
2. Bronchogram
a.
3. Cerebral angiogram
a.
4. Chest radiograph
a.
5. Cholangiogram
a.
6. Coronary angiogram
a.
b.
7. Cystogram
a.
8. Hysterosalpingogram
a.
9. Myelogram
a.
10. Retrograde pyelogram
a.
Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging
1.
2.
Ultrasonography
1.
2.
3.
4. Used to diagnose
a.
5. Conditions that can be detected:
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6. Echocardiogram:
a.
b.
7.
a.
b.
c.
d.
8. Advantages of US
a.
b.
c.
d.
9. Limitations of US
a.
b.
Adipose tissue: interferes with sound wave transmission
c.
10. Obstetric ultrasound
a. Used to:
11. Doppler ultrasound
a.
b.
• 
As it flows through blood vessels
- Examples: major arteries and veins in abdomen, arms, legs, and neck
c.
- Due to atherosclerosis and congenital malformations.
Computed Tomography
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
a.
6. Used to
a.
b.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
1.
a.
• 
That cannot be seen with other radiologic techniques
2. Used to diagnose
a.
b.
c.
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3.
4. Safe and painless
5. Strong magnetic field and radio waves
a. Produce computer-processed images of internal body structures
b. Does not involve radiation
• 
Classified as a low-risk device by FDA