Most everyone knows that xrays are particulary helpful in diagnosing fractures and broken bones. In fact, just about everyone I know has had an xray for that reason at one time or another. This amazes me because I didn't have my first xray until I was in my late 20's. Childhood brought many cuts, bruises and bumps but my parents didn't take us to the Emergency Room every time, thankfully.
Ok..back to my topic..fractures. We get fractures from people of all ages..babies to 95 yr. olds. Since young children have alot of cartilege, their bones tend to much more pliable & harder to break. In fact, some fractures in children are called "greenstick fractures" because they look like a green stick being broken..It sort of shreds some but doesn't break all the way through. Older bones have less calcium so they tend to be more brittle & easier broken. For this reason it is very important for adults over 35 to replenish their calcium to maintain good bone health.
So, what happens if you come in and have an xray but the Dr. says there is no break. Well, that is usually good news. It doesn't mean that you won't have pain because there was obviously some trauma there that will need to heal. If you continue to have increasing pain after 1 week many Dr's will tell you to return for a follow up xray. It is possible to have a tiny crack through the bone that will not show up initially. After using the part for a few days that crack could seperate a bit & be more easily visualized on the follow up xray. We see this occasionally with hip xrays. The first xray will be essentially normal. After a few days of trying to bear weight with increased pain, the second xray will show a fracture. This does not mean the DR. missed your fracture, it simply means that it had not been significant enough at first to be seen on an xray.
I hope this has helped provide some useful xray information for you.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Xrays- And Who Is Taking Them
Most people don't think twice when going to the Hospital or Emergency Room. They assume that people are there to take care of them. That part is true, there are people there to do that. The Big question is, are they properly trained. Many states in the U.S. do not require Xray techs, or Radiologic Technologists, to be licensed. That, in itself, does not mean that technologists at your hospital are not trained, or licensed. Most hospitals will require their Xray Technologists to be certified by a National Board, The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This means they have completed a 2 year program and passed their boards. Most technologists are also a member of a National Society, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This Society helps to pass laws regarding education of student radiographers, represents technologists on a national level in Washington, D.C.,etc. And then some states have a state society. This may all sound confusing to you..but it boils down to one simple question.."Are you a Registered Technologist?"
When you are introduced to the xray tech about to perform your examination you should check their name tag. Most all Hospital name badges will have the employees name followed by some initials, RT (R), CT, US, etc..The RT (R) means they are licensed in Radiology. IF you don't see those abbreviations after their name you should ask the person if they are registered. IF they say No, then personally I would ask for someone who is. If there is no one licensed there I would probably go to another facility if I had that option. Radiation can be very harmful if not administered properly. We as technologists undergo intensive training for 2 years and we take our job very seriously. Radiology is undoubtedly the number one tool in helping Doctors diagnose most diseases. Xrays that are of poor quality can often cause a missed diagnosis. It is vitally important that people be trained and licensed to perform these Diagnostic procedures. This can save an incorrect diagnosis, it can save a lot of radiation exposure from unwarranted repeats, and it can save alot of money.
The next time you or someone you know is about to undergo any xray examinations be sure to ask who is performing their test. It can make all the difference in the world to have that xray information.
When you are introduced to the xray tech about to perform your examination you should check their name tag. Most all Hospital name badges will have the employees name followed by some initials, RT (R), CT, US, etc..The RT (R) means they are licensed in Radiology. IF you don't see those abbreviations after their name you should ask the person if they are registered. IF they say No, then personally I would ask for someone who is. If there is no one licensed there I would probably go to another facility if I had that option. Radiation can be very harmful if not administered properly. We as technologists undergo intensive training for 2 years and we take our job very seriously. Radiology is undoubtedly the number one tool in helping Doctors diagnose most diseases. Xrays that are of poor quality can often cause a missed diagnosis. It is vitally important that people be trained and licensed to perform these Diagnostic procedures. This can save an incorrect diagnosis, it can save a lot of radiation exposure from unwarranted repeats, and it can save alot of money.
The next time you or someone you know is about to undergo any xray examinations be sure to ask who is performing their test. It can make all the difference in the world to have that xray information.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
XRay Information and DEXA Scans
Women today are much better informed about their health than their mothers or grandmothers. And, since we are so well informed there is no reason for any woman today to suffer from osteoporosis. Actually, that's a bit drastic, but there should certainly be a major decline in this disease. Osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which the amount of bone is decreased leaving a much thinnner and more brittle bone. This cortical thinning of the bones makes the bone much more prone to fracture. Fortunatley today there are several ways to detect Osteoporosis and treat it successfully.
The first step is to have a sit down talk with your Physician regarding your diet and your current lifestyle. He'll ask if you smoke, drink alcohol, and how, or if, you exercise. All these factors play a significant part in the health of your bones.Following your evaluation you will most likely be sent for a DEXA scan. This is a simple, painless procedure that is most often performed in the XRay department.
You will lie on a table while a scan is done of your lower spine, hips and possibly your wrist and hand. The results measure your bone density against those of a healthy young adult. If your bone mass is normal your score will be above a Minus 1. IF that score is between 1 and -2.5 then you are losing bone mass. For patients that are below -2.5 you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis.
Currently every woman over the age of 65 is recommended for a Bone Density exam. Men who are over 70 should have one as well. It is a very important thing to consider since one in 2 women, and one in 4 men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. SOmetimes the test is recommended for younger patients who happen to be in a higher risk group due to genetic factors or come other medical conditions.
If you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis the physician may prescribe a certain medication for you to try. There are other options too considering the severity of your condition. Following through with a healthy diet rich in Vitamin D, trying to exercise more, eliminating excess alcohol, and quitting smoking are all other factors that can keep your bones healthy.
Many people will ask if this test is really necessary? The test is very simple, painless and only costs around $150.00. MOst insurance companies and Medicare will pay for this procedure, it is that important. There is no question that one of medicine's most popular and effective exams is the DEXA Scan.
The first step is to have a sit down talk with your Physician regarding your diet and your current lifestyle. He'll ask if you smoke, drink alcohol, and how, or if, you exercise. All these factors play a significant part in the health of your bones.Following your evaluation you will most likely be sent for a DEXA scan. This is a simple, painless procedure that is most often performed in the XRay department.
You will lie on a table while a scan is done of your lower spine, hips and possibly your wrist and hand. The results measure your bone density against those of a healthy young adult. If your bone mass is normal your score will be above a Minus 1. IF that score is between 1 and -2.5 then you are losing bone mass. For patients that are below -2.5 you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis.
Currently every woman over the age of 65 is recommended for a Bone Density exam. Men who are over 70 should have one as well. It is a very important thing to consider since one in 2 women, and one in 4 men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. SOmetimes the test is recommended for younger patients who happen to be in a higher risk group due to genetic factors or come other medical conditions.
If you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis the physician may prescribe a certain medication for you to try. There are other options too considering the severity of your condition. Following through with a healthy diet rich in Vitamin D, trying to exercise more, eliminating excess alcohol, and quitting smoking are all other factors that can keep your bones healthy.
Many people will ask if this test is really necessary? The test is very simple, painless and only costs around $150.00. MOst insurance companies and Medicare will pay for this procedure, it is that important. There is no question that one of medicine's most popular and effective exams is the DEXA Scan.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
X Ray Information: What is An IVP?
Medical terminology can be very confusing and somewhat intimidating to patients, or people who are not trained in medicine. We have big, long names for procedures, medications and even for xray exams themselves. One of the more common questions from patients is "What is an IVP?"
IVP stands for Intravenous Pyelogram. Simply put, this is an exam to demonstrate the entire Urinary System by means of an IV injection. The technologist will inject an xray dye, or contrast agent, into a vein in order to demonstrate the kidneys, ureters and bladder. It's a relatively painless procedure. Probably the biggest complaint is having to lie on the xray table for perhaps 45 minutes to an hour. We have a special pad that we use on our table to make it a bit more comfortable. Pictures are taken immediatley after the injection is given, and then at designated times after that. The first few pictures demonstrate the kidneys. Delayed pictures will visualize the ureters and eventually the bladder. The number of pictures will vary according to the preference of each Radiologist. Certain conditions can dictate the length of the exam as well. Patients with a kidney stone that is obstructing a ureter can often have to wait several hours to see if the kidney will eventually empty the contrast. The Xray technologist will explain and inform the patient if these delays are necessary.
Many physicians today will order CAT Scans instead of IVP's. There are still many reasons why they are still done on a regular basis. A majority of our patients present with a history of hematuria, or blood in the urine. There are a multitude of reasons for that, sometimes it's an infection, a kidney stone, possibly a tumor. We do IVP's for kidney stones quite often. It is a very informative exam for the physician. I hope this has provided some useful information for you.
IVP stands for Intravenous Pyelogram. Simply put, this is an exam to demonstrate the entire Urinary System by means of an IV injection. The technologist will inject an xray dye, or contrast agent, into a vein in order to demonstrate the kidneys, ureters and bladder. It's a relatively painless procedure. Probably the biggest complaint is having to lie on the xray table for perhaps 45 minutes to an hour. We have a special pad that we use on our table to make it a bit more comfortable. Pictures are taken immediatley after the injection is given, and then at designated times after that. The first few pictures demonstrate the kidneys. Delayed pictures will visualize the ureters and eventually the bladder. The number of pictures will vary according to the preference of each Radiologist. Certain conditions can dictate the length of the exam as well. Patients with a kidney stone that is obstructing a ureter can often have to wait several hours to see if the kidney will eventually empty the contrast. The Xray technologist will explain and inform the patient if these delays are necessary.
Many physicians today will order CAT Scans instead of IVP's. There are still many reasons why they are still done on a regular basis. A majority of our patients present with a history of hematuria, or blood in the urine. There are a multitude of reasons for that, sometimes it's an infection, a kidney stone, possibly a tumor. We do IVP's for kidney stones quite often. It is a very informative exam for the physician. I hope this has provided some useful information for you.
Friday, December 7, 2007
What is Nuclear Medicine
Just the name sounds scarey but Nuclear Medicine is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it is one of the most informative tools the physician has to diagnose patients. I am sure you have heard of Bone scans, thyroid scans, etc. There are a host of exams that are performed in this department, and that list is still growing. Today doctors can examine the function of the heart with a SPECT scan, which is done in NM. It's an amazing area that is seeing new technology every day.
When you ask just How this all works, well..it is pretty complicated. Basically, the patient is injected with a Radioisotope that is mixed with a substance specifically targeted to a certain organ or body part. Then the patient lies on a table underneath a camera which will rotate around them while taking pictures. It is a simple and painless procedure and in many cases not very lengthy. There are some constraints on eating, etc..but they are explained prior to the procedure. The only radiation you get from these procedures is from the radioisotopes, and it is not very much. It will vary for each procedure so you can ask the technologist about it if you are concerned.
Nuclear Medicine can be used for a variety of things, such as, to check for metastisis or spreading of cancers, gall bladder function, heart function,loosening of hardware. Doctors can actually use a radioisotope to treat patients with hyperthyroidism. So, if your physician recommends a procedure to be done in Nuclear Medicine don't be alarmed, and I hope this has provided some insight for you.
When you ask just How this all works, well..it is pretty complicated. Basically, the patient is injected with a Radioisotope that is mixed with a substance specifically targeted to a certain organ or body part. Then the patient lies on a table underneath a camera which will rotate around them while taking pictures. It is a simple and painless procedure and in many cases not very lengthy. There are some constraints on eating, etc..but they are explained prior to the procedure. The only radiation you get from these procedures is from the radioisotopes, and it is not very much. It will vary for each procedure so you can ask the technologist about it if you are concerned.
Nuclear Medicine can be used for a variety of things, such as, to check for metastisis or spreading of cancers, gall bladder function, heart function,loosening of hardware. Doctors can actually use a radioisotope to treat patients with hyperthyroidism. So, if your physician recommends a procedure to be done in Nuclear Medicine don't be alarmed, and I hope this has provided some insight for you.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
X Ray Information and Radiation
There really is alot of information out currently about x-rays, Ct's and all this radiation we're getting. I think it is great to inform the public as long as you are giving them accurate information on all the aspects concerned. Sure radiation is not "good for you", however it is the only way to perform x-ray examinations, and CT examinations. These diagnostic tools save thousands of lives every day, so I don't think they deserve ALL the bad publicity they are getting right now. The issue IS and Should Be, that radiation when "deemed necessary" is an extremely valuable tool.The problem area is that necessary part. Sometimes what a patient feels is necessary, and what a Doctor feels is necessary, are two different things. The difference is that the Doctor has been schooled and highly trained for 6-10 years in the practice of medice. The patient may have spent a few hours possibly, on the Internet learning ALL about what they have..or don't have. The Doctor will know all the tests that can be utilized for a series of symptoms. The patient may see one or two online. So, in my eyes this is merely a publicity thing. Newspapers, TV, they all go after anything that can be made the least bit controversial and they beat it to death. IF it's Britany Spears, fine..she can handle that. This is however a much different arena. Some patient may read all this hype and decide they just won't have a CT scan, it could cause them cancer someday. IF this person has a serious problem and it doesn't get detected for a prolonged period of time, the result could be fatal. This goes back to the "necessary" part. IF you have problems and your Doctor feels a CT scan is necessary to diagnose if you have appendicits or whatever, then I feel you should definitley have that scan. IF you have a stomach ache for 3 hrs. and feel you "need" a CT scan, I definitley think you should NOT have that scan and I'm 99% sure your Doctor would agree. Most Doctors will try the least invasive tests first, depending on how severe your symptoms are. That is the Proper course of treatment. Trust your physician. No one is perfect, sure, but he is highly trained and I am sure he ..or she...will be happy to explain why they do or don't want to do a CT exam. Remember that not everything you hear on TV is accurate and honest. We wish that it were, but unfortunatley it is not. I am a Registered XRay Technologist and have been for 32 years so I know what is true and what is not. I think it is great when patients read up and are able to ask questions about their health care. I do not think it is wise to tell a Doctor what or order. Instead, establish a rapport with your Doctor where you can sit down and discuss your symptoms and perhaps the different treatments for those symptoms. Most all Doctors I know welcome an informed discussion and will be happy to participate in one with you. It is in their best interest, as well as yours, to have you healthy again. So, instead of throwing all this negative information at your Doctor on your next visit, you might try asking a few questions and presenting some positive xray information along with them.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
What Is a PET Scan?
Many people call to ask exactly "What is a PET scan?" Positron Emission Tomography is a relatively new modality to the medical scene. It was introduced in 1974 but was still considered "experimental" in 2001. Today, however it has advanced to a highly diagnostic tool for physicians to use for diagnosis and treatment. The procedure is performed in the Nuclear Medicine Dept..(most often) where a radioactive isotope is injected into the bloodstream. This material is tagged, or mixed, with another agent to enable it to enhance a particular organ. After the injection the patient is placed
on a table, most often on their back, and moved into a machine. This machine is open on the sides so it isn't as constraining as the MRI machine. The machine scans the patient and sends information to a computer where it is processed and sent to the Radiologist for interpretation.
PET scanning has become a vital tool in the treatment of cancer patients. It can provide the Oncologist and Radiologist detailed information regarding the stages of cancer as well as the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therepy treatments.Many times it is performed along with a CT exam. CAT scans can provide excellent detail of the anatomy in a 3-D representation. PET scans don't show the anatomy as well, but can provide great information regarding the functioning of the organs demonstrated.
on a table, most often on their back, and moved into a machine. This machine is open on the sides so it isn't as constraining as the MRI machine. The machine scans the patient and sends information to a computer where it is processed and sent to the Radiologist for interpretation.
PET scanning has become a vital tool in the treatment of cancer patients. It can provide the Oncologist and Radiologist detailed information regarding the stages of cancer as well as the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therepy treatments.Many times it is performed along with a CT exam. CAT scans can provide excellent detail of the anatomy in a 3-D representation. PET scans don't show the anatomy as well, but can provide great information regarding the functioning of the organs demonstrated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)