Imaging/Scans

Question 1

X-ray imaging

Answer 1

dense structures appear as light areas

Question 2

CT scans

Answer 2

detailed cross-sectional pictures of scanned body regions

Question 3

Digital Subtraction Angiography

Answer 3

• visualising blood vessels by X-ray or CT scan
• inject X-ray absorbing contrast agent, so imaged before and after can be compared

Question 4

PET scans

Answer 4

Gamma rays emitted by radioactively tagged tracer molecule that’s been injected into the body

Question 5

MRI

Answer 5

Powerful magnets and radio waves used to image the location of hydrogen atoms in the body (doesn’t show bones)

Question 6

fMRI

Answer 6

Tracks blood flow into various parts of the brain

Question 7

Ultrasound imaging

Answer 7

Pulses of sound waves produce ‘echoes’ when reflected by body tissues and analysed by a computer into body organs outlines

Question 8

What are CT scans used for?

Answer 8

Images of:
- bone
- soft tissue
- blood vessels

Question 9

What are the cons of CT scans?

Answer 9

more radiation exposure than X-rays (may be of concern if used repeatedly)

Question 10

What are the cons of X-ray images?

Answer 10

• Radiation exposure
• 2D images

Question 11

What are the cons of Digital Subtraction Angiography?

Answer 11

• Time-consuming
• Expensive
• Can have adverse reaction to contrast medium

Question 12

What can PET scans be used for?

Answer 12

• Can be used to detect cancer spread/ monitor response to cancer treatment
• Diagnose Alzheimer’s
• Explore brain for research

Question 13

What are cons of PET scans?

Answer 13

• Radiation exposure
• Poor image resolution

Question 14

What are cons of MRI scans?

Answer 14

• More expensive
• Slower than CT scans
• Can’t be used with patients who have a metal implant

Question 15

What are cons of ultrasound imaging?

Answer 15

• Lower resolution (but sharpness is being improved)