Humboldt State University health science program

An X-Ray Scan utilizes a collimated X-ray beam to produce an image on film. Several different views are obtained of the body part being imaged. The films are then passed on for review by a radiologist and your primary care physician. This is the oldest method of imaging, but is still the standard in general medical practice. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), on the other hand, provides detailed pictures of the body without ionizing radiation. During this procedure, the patient is placed within a large magnet and radio waves are passed through the body. Computer-generated images clearly show diseased tissue in the brain, spine, and joints.

For further definition, a Cat Scan utilizes a high tech, 16-slice scanner. The computer is able to render different perspectives, in order that the image may be viewed in various planes. Images appear on the technologist?s monitor in a matter of seconds, and because there is no waiting for film to be developed it reduces the need for repeat exams. Digital images are easily stored and transferred, eliminating the dependency on one set of originals, which can be misfiled or otherwise lost.