Introduction
Medical diagnostic imaging is a non-invasive technique used to visualize the internal structures of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. Each modality employs different principles of physics and technology to capture detailed images of organs, tissues, bones, and other internal features. While imaging can be performed on removed organs and tissues for medical reasons, such procedures are typically considered part of pathology rather than medical imaging. In this article, we will discuss medical diagnostic imaging and learn about its objectives and types, as well as the types of medical diagnostic imaging devices.
Objectives of Medical Imaging
Diagnostic medical imaging has some main objectives:
This practice aims to reveal internal structures hidden by skin and bones, diagnose and treat diseases, and establish a database of normal anatomy and physiology to identify abnormalities. These images assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing diseases, monitoring the progression of medical conditions, planning treatments, and guiding surgical procedures.
Classifications of Medical Diagnostic Machines and Tools
Medical diagnostic devices and tools can be classified into three main categories: Imaging, Laboratory, and Monitoring.
- Imaging devices use different techniques to take pictures of the internal organs and tissues of the body, allowing doctors to see any abnormalities or injuries.
- Laboratory devices analyze blood, urine, or other body fluids to check for chemical or microbiological markers, which helps diagnose infections and other conditions.
- While healthcare monitoring devices measure various parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to help monitor the progress of medical treatments or to identify new medical conditions.
Types of Medical Imaging Machines
There are many types of these devices, and many of them are produced according to need. Some of them are as follows:
1) X-ray Machines or Radiography.
2) Optical Imaging.
3) Computed Tomography (CT).
4) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
5) Nuclear Medicine Imaging Machines.
6) Ultrasound Machine or Sonar.
7) Doppler Ultrasound Machine.
8) Hybrid Imaging Techniques.
9) Bone Densitometry (DEXA) Machine.
10) Thermography Machines.
In clinical settings, "invisible light" medical imaging generally refers to radiology or "clinical imaging." "Visible light" medical imaging involves digital video or still pictures that can be seen without special equipment, used in fields like dermatology and wound care. Medical images are typically interpreted by physicians specializing in radiology, known as radiologists, but can also be interpreted by any healthcare professional trained and certified in radiological evaluation. Increasingly, non-physicians, such as radiographers, are being trained in image interpretation as part of expanded practice. Diagnostic radiography focuses on the technical aspects of acquiring medical images, with radiographers (or radiologic technologists) usually responsible for capturing diagnostic-quality images, although other professionals may also train in this area.
Impact and Growth of Medical Imaging Technology
By 2010, 5 billion medical imaging studies had been conducted globally. In 2006, radiation exposure from medical imaging accounted for about 50% of total ionizing radiation exposure in the United States. The manufacturing of medical imaging equipment utilizes technology from the semiconductor industry, including CMOS integrated circuit chips, power semiconductor devices, image sensors (particularly CMOS sensors), biosensors, and processors such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, digital signal processors, media processors, and system-on-chip devices. As of 2015, annual shipments of medical imaging chips reached 46 million units, valued at 1.1$ billion.
Conclusion
As a scientific field, medical imaging is a sub-discipline of biomedical engineering, medical physics, or medicine, depending on the context. Research and development in instrumentation, image acquisition (e.g., radiography), modeling, and quantification are typically within the realms of biomedical engineering, medical physics, and computer science. Research into the application and interpretation of medical images falls under radiology and the specific medical sub-discipline related to the condition or area being investigated (neuroscience, cardiology, psychiatry, psychology, etc.). Many techniques developed for medical imaging also have scientific and industrial applications.
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