THE SCIENCE OF RADIOLOGY AND

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
THE SCIENCE OF RADIOLOGY AND
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
▪ Radiology and radiologic technology play a
pivotal role in modern medicine by
providing advanced imaging techniques for
diagnosis and treatment.
▪ The ability to visualize internal structures
without invasive procedures has
revolutionized medical care.
OVERVIEW OF RADIOLOGY
▪ Radiology is a branch of medical science that
focuses on the use of imaging techniques to
diagnose and treat diseases.
▪ Key imaging modalities include X-rays, CT, MRI,
ultrasound, and nuclear medicine.
▪ Radiologists, along with radiologic
technologists, collaborate to interpret images
and provide accurate diagnoses.
THE DISCOVERY OF X-RAY
• WILHELM CONRAD ROENTGEN-11/8/1895

• Roentgen was experimenting with high-voltage

electricity and low-vacuum tubes (Crookes
tubes) in 1895.
• He noticed a faint glow from a paper coated
with barium platinocyanide when he covered
his tube with black cardboard and electrified it.
• He realized that the tube was emitting a new
type of energy that could cause fluorescence
and penetrate solid materials.
THE DISCOVERY OF X-RAY
▪ He investigated the properties of this energy
and called it x-rays, with x representing the
unknown.
▪ He produced the first radiograph of his wife’s
(ANA BERTHA LUDWIG) hand and published
his findings in a scientific paper.
▪ His discovery caused excitement and
curiosity in the scientific and medical
communities, as well as fear and skepticism in
the public.
ROENTGEN’S INVESTIGATION OF X-RAYS
▪ Roentgen was cautious and meticulous in
investigating the properties of x-rays before sharing
his discovery with colleagues.
▪ X-rays were not new but had likely been produced
unknowingly by Roentgen and his contemporaries
who were experimenting with electricity and low-
vacuum tubes.
▪ Roentgen worked hard to determine what x-rays were
by placing various materials between his energized
tube and a fluorescent paper.
▪ He discovered that x-rays could penetrate solid
materials and produce a fluoroscopic image of his
wife’s hand, which became the world’s first
radiograph.
ROENTGEN’S DISCOVERY OF X-RAYS
▪ Roentgen called this new form of energy x-rays, with x
representing the mathematical symbol for the
unknown.
▪ The paper caused a buzz of excitement in the medical
and scientific communities and was soon translated
into English and published in the journal Nature.
▪ Others began assembling their own x-ray-producing
devices and exposing inanimate objects as well as
tissue, both animal and human and both living and
dead, to determine the range of use of these x-rays.
▪ Investigations concentrated on ways of imaging living
human bodies for medical benefits.
▪ Roentgen’s discovery was lauded as one of great
significance to science and medicine, and Roentgen
received the first Nobel Prize presented for physics in
1901.
▪ DATE/ EVENT ▪ 1907 The Snook as contrast media.
interrupterless transformer
▪ 1895 Roentgen discovers x- ▪ 1920 The American Society
is
rays. of Radiologic
▪ introduced.
▪ 1896 First medical ▪ Technologists (ASRT) is
applications of x-rays in ▪ 1913 Bohr theorizes his founded.
diagnosis model of the atom, featuring
▪ and therapy are made. ▪ a nucleus and planetary
electrons.
▪ 1900 The American
Roentgen Society, the first ▪ 1913 The Coolidge hot-
filament x-ray tube is
▪ American radiology
organization, is founded. ▪ developed.
▪ 1901 Roentgen receives the ▪ 1917 The cellulose nitrate
first Nobel Prize in film base is widely
▪ physics. ▪ adopted.
▪ 1905 Einstein introduces his ▪ 1920 Several investigators
theory of relativity and demonstrate the use of
▪ the famous equation E = mc2▪ soluble iodine compounds
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
▪ Radiologic technology is the specialized field
responsible for the practical application of
imaging techniques.
▪ Radiologic technologists are highly trained
healthcare professionals who operate
imaging equipment.
▪ They position patients correctly for imaging
procedures, ensure patient safety, and
produce high-quality diagnostic images.
OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICATION OF RADIATION
IN MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY.
▪ Radiation is used in medicine in three ways: diagnostic radiology, nuclear
medicine, and radiation therapy.
▪ Diagnostic radiology uses x-ray machines to obtain images of the inside of the
patient’s body.
▪ Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances introduced into the patient for
diagnosis or treatment.
▪ Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink
tumors.
▪ Radiation therapy most often uses X-rays. But other types of radiation therapy exist,
including proton radiation.
▪ Modern methods of radiation are precise.
IMAGING MODALITIES
▪ X-rays: Utilizes electromagnetic radiation
to visualize bones, detect fractures, and
identify abnormalities.
IMAGING MODALITIES
▪ CT (Computed Tomography): Provides
cross-sectional images of the body,
allowing detailed evaluation of the brain,
chest, abdomen, and other areas.
IMAGING MODALITIES
▪ MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
Uses strong magnetic fields and radio
waves to produce detailed images of soft
tissues and organs.
IMAGING MODALITIES
▪ Ultrasound: Relies on sound waves to
create real-time images of organs, blood
vessels, and fetal development during
pregnancy.
IMAGING MODALITIES
▪ Nuclear Medicine: Combines radioactive
substances with imaging techniques to
visualize organ function and detect
diseases.
MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS APPLICATIONS
▪ X-rays: Valuable for detecting fractures, dislocations, and abnormalities in bones.
▪ CT: Provides detailed images for diagnosing conditions in the brain, chest,
abdomen, pelvis, and other areas.
▪ MRI: Allows visualization of soft tissues, aiding in the evaluation of organs, joints,
and neurological conditions.
▪ Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging technique used to examine organs, blood
vessels, and monitor fetal development.
▪ Nuclear Medicine: Provides functional imaging to assess organ function, detect
cancer, evaluate cardiac health, and diagnose thyroid disorders.
▪ Image: Include sample images for each imaging modality showcasing their
diagnostic applications.
MEDICAL THERAPY APPLICATIONS
▪ Radiation Therapy: High-energy
radiation targets and destroys cancer
cells, reducing tumor size and
preventing their growth.
▪ Interventional Radiology: Minimally
invasive procedures guided by
imaging techniques, such as
angiography, angioplasty, stent
placement, and tumor ablation.
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