The human body is a complicated machine. We need to rely on diagnostic imaging instead of simply taking a doctor’s word for it. Does this mean there is something wrong with you if you require an imaging technique?
No, various medical imaging techniques can help improve your quality of life by helping prevent other problems from arising later in life or aiding your doctor in making the right treatment decision. Let’s talk about two standard imaging techniques used to diagnose problems in the human body – X-rays and CT scans.
These tests either look at the surface of your body or dig deeper into the insides of your body. The former is what we call “diagnostic imaging,” and the latter is “diagnostic testing.” Let’s see what they are meant by and how they are used:
What is an X-ray scan, and where is it used?
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation (also called “light”), which has a very short wavelength (10 nanometers) and a high frequency. This makes them useful for describing the structure of matter on a small scale — below about 100 nanometers.
They are used in the health sector as an imaging procedure that uses a minimal amount of radiation, which quickly goes through your body to capture an internal image of the body.
X-ray scans create images on film. This radiation passes through soft tissues like skin and muscle but cannot pass through hard tissues such as bones or teeth. They produce images that are useful for diagnosing problems with bones, joints, and internal organs.
They allow us to see inside the body without having to perform surgery or use a contrast agent, which is why they are so helpful in treating medical conditions and diagnosing diseases.
They may be taken from any part of the body, including the skull, spine, chest, and abdomen. They also help doctors determine if there is fluid around the lungs (pulmonary edema).
X-ray scans are often used to detect tumors in the brain and other body parts. It may be taken as part of a routine checkup or after symptoms appear. It can also be used to look for signs of disease in people who already have cancer or another serious medical condition.
Types of X-rays
There are two types of x-rays:
1. Soft X-rays with a wavelength of about 10 nanometers are soft x-rays (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter). Thus, they can be placed in the electromagnetic spectrum (EM) between gamma rays and ultraviolet (UV) light.
2. Hard x-rays have wavelengths of about 100 picometers (a picometer is a trillionth of a meter). These waves are found in the same band as gamma rays on the electromagnetic spectrum.
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan (CT stands for computed tomography) is a particular type of X-ray that allows the radiologist to view multiple cross-sectional images of the body. It uses computer technology to produce detailed images of the inside of your body.
It is a more detailed type of X-ray that uses the power of X-rays and computers to deliver a 3D view of your body. A CT scan makes many detailed slices (pictures), which then are merged into one projection. This creates a clear view that shows the position, shape, and size of the organs in your body.
The CT scanner is a vast machine with an opening that you lie in. The machine then takes a series of X-ray images from different angles and, from these images, creates a 3D picture of your organs.
Types of CT scans
There are two types of CT scan:
1. PET (CT) Scan: PET (positron emission tomography) uses a small amount of radioactive material called a tracer injected into your vein. As the tracer moves through your body, its path can be tracked by a special camera.
The tracer reveals areas where cells are active, which helps doctors detect certain diseases like cancer more quickly than other tests. It is used to detect abnormal cells in the body, especially those in your brain. It may also be used to detect tumors in your lungs or liver.
2. CT Urography: A urography is an x-ray test used to look at the kidneys and urinary tract. It involves injecting contrast dye into your bladder through a tube inserted into your urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder).
The dye makes it easier for doctors to see abnormalities, such as stones or tumors, which might be causing symptoms such as pain or blood in your urine.
What are the main differences between X-rays and CT scans?
Here are some differences to be noted between X-ray and CT scans. The difference between X-rays and CT scans is relatively minor, but it is nevertheless significant.
1. X-rays use a single beam of radiation to produce an image. A CT scan uses many X-ray beams at different angles around the body, which are then combined by a computer into one image. This combines the benefits of both X-ray and MRI scans.
2. CT scans provide more detailed images than x-rays. The advantage of a CT scan is that it creates 3D images from the images of the lungs and heart, in contrast to an X-ray which is only 2D. This means any abnormality in the lungs or heart will be detected by the CT scan quickly.
3. X-rays are one type of ionizing radiation, which means they have enough energy to knock electrons off atoms and damage DNA. This damage can cause cancer and other diseases such as leukemia or thyroid cancer if you are exposed for long periods or if you receive multiple exposures at once. But it is much safer for pregnant women and children than CT scans.
4. The disadvantage of the CT scan is that it may not be suitable for everyone. For example, children may not be able to lie still enough for this test, and if you have a pacemaker, this could interfere with the test results.
5. X-rays are also used for non-medical purposes, such as airport security screening or manufacturing quality control.
6. X-ray is faster than a CT scan because it does not require any contrast medium or radiation exposure like CT does; however it does not provide enough detail for examining soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments (as opposed to bones). It may also miss some damage that is not visible on plain X-rays.
The key differences between the two procedures are that CT scans are more detailed and come with a higher radiation dose. On the flip side, if you have an underlying issue but present minor symptoms, an X-ray might be your best bet.
A CT scan is your go-to approach if you know you have an underlying medical condition or if you’re already experiencing severe symptoms. Both tests provide valuable information about your condition and can help determine the course of your treatment.
Hope this article helped you better understand the differences between X-rays and CT scans and make an educated decision. As we have already said, both tools are used for different purposes since they highlight different structures within the body. Choosing between the two depends on your doctor’s preferences, among other things.
We are happy to assist you. If you need an X-ray or CT scan, contact Dr. Remedies Labs.
Dr. Remedies Labs aim at providing high-quality, accurate, and quick diagnoses round the clock.
So when faced with an unknown medical condition, please schedule it as soon as possible with Dr. Remedies Labs. It’s the essential step toward getting you on the right track.