Unit 21 A&B: radiation use in medical diagnosis and treatment
P1: Explain how the principles and production of non-ionising radiation
technologies are used in medical applications.
Non-ionizing radiation technologies, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are
widely used in medical applications for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ultrasound uses high-
frequency sound waves to create images of the body's internal structures. These images can be used
to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including pregnancy, heart disease, and cancer.
Ultrasound is also used to guide medical procedures, such as biopsies and needle aspirations.
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal
structures. These images can be used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including brain
tumours, joint injuries, and spinal cord injuries. MRI is also used to guide medical procedures, such as
biopsies and surgeries.
Both ultrasound and MRI are non-invasive and do not use ionizing radiation, which makes them safer
than other imaging techniques that use ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and CT scans. This makes
them particularly useful for imaging children and pregnant women.
In addition to diagnostic applications, non-ionizing radiation technologies are also used in
therapeutic applications. For example, ultrasound can be used to break up kidney stones, and MRI
can be used to guide the delivery of cancer treatments to specific areas of the body.
Overall, non-ionizing radiation technologies are a valuable tool in modern medicine, providing safe
and effective diagnostic and therapeutic options for a wide range of medical conditions.
Non-iodising radiation techniques
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic
field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures. MRI
is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe and valuable tool for diagnosing
a wide range of medical conditions. MRI is used to diagnose and monitor many different conditions,
including cancers, heart and vascular disease, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders.
MRI is painless and does not require any special preparation, although patients may need to remove
metal objects from their body before the procedure. MRI is a valuable tool in modern medicine that
allows doctors to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions with greater accuracy and
precision.
,Instrumentation
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a combination of a powerful magnetic field, radio waves,
and a computer to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures. The MRI scanner
consists of a large, cylindrical magnet that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient. The
scanner also contains a series of gradient coils that produce radio waves and create a magnetic field
that can be used to produce images of the body's internal structures. During the procedure, the
patient lies on a table that slides into the scanner, which captures images of the body's internal
structures. The images are then processed by a computer to create detailed 2D or 3D images that
can be used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. The MRI scanner is a complex piece of
equipment that requires skilled operators and technicians to operate and maintain. MRI is a valuable
tool in modern medicine that allows doctors to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions
with greater accuracy and precision.
Diagnostic uses
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring many different
medical conditions. MRI can be used to diagnose and monitor cancers, heart and vascular disease,
neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and many other medical conditions. MRI is
particularly useful for imaging soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, and internal organs, which
can be difficult to see with other imaging techniques. MRI can also be used to detect abnormalities in
blood flow and to visualize the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. MRI is non-
invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe and valuable tool for diagnosing and
monitoring medical conditions. MRI is a valuable tool in modern medicine that allows doctors to
diagnose and treat many different medical conditions with greater accuracy and precision.
Benefits
There are several benefits to using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for medical diagnosis and
monitoring. First, MRI is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe imaging
technique for patients. Second, MRI can produce detailed images of the body's internal structures,
allowing doctors to make accurate diagnoses and monitor the progression of medical conditions over
time. Third, MRI can be used to visualize soft tissues, such as the brain and internal organs, which can
be difficult to see with other imaging techniques. Fourth, MRI can be used to detect abnormalities in
blood flow and to visualize the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. Fifth, MRI can
be used to guide minimally invasive procedures, such as biopsies and needle aspirations, reducing
the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. Overall, the non-invasive nature, detailed
images, and versatility of MRI make it a valuable tool in modern medicine.
Lasers
Lasers are a type of non-ionizing radiation that can be used for medical imaging and surgical
procedures. Lasers produce intense beams of light that can be highly focused and used to treat a
variety of medical conditions. In medicine, lasers are often used for surgical procedures, such as
correcting vision problems, removing skin blemishes, and treating cancer. Lasers can also be used to
heat and destroy cancer cells, as well as to shrink tumours by cutting off their blood supply. In
addition, lasers are used in cosmetic procedures to remove unwanted hair, tattoos, and scars. Lasers
can also be used in scientific research and industrial applications, such as cutting, welding, and
drilling materials. Unlike ionizing radiation techniques such as X-rays and CT scans, lasers do not
expose patients to harmful ionizing radiation, making them a safe and effective alternative for many
medical applications.
, Lasers are also used in non-invasive medical imaging techniques such as optical coherence
tomography (OCT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). OCT uses low-power laser light to create high-
resolution images of internal body structures, such as the retina, and is commonly used to diagnose
eye diseases. PAI uses laser-generated sound waves to create images of internal body structures,
such as blood vessels, and is being developed for a wide range of medical applications, including
cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Lasers are also used in non-medical applications, such as
in the entertainment industry for laser light shows, and in the manufacturing industry for cutting and
engraving materials.
Lasers are also used in the field of communications, where they are used to transmit information
over long distances through fibre optic cables. Lasers are used to convert electrical signals into light
signals, which are then transmitted through the fibre optic cable. The light signals are then converted
back into electrical signals at the receiving end. This technology allows for faster and more efficient
communication than traditional copper wire communication systems. Lasers are also used in the
military for a variety of applications, including range finding, target designation, and guided missile
systems. Lasers are also used in space exploration, where they are used for communication and
remote sensing applications.
Types
There are several types of lasers used in medical procedures, including carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers,
neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd: YAG) lasers, and argon lasers. Carbon dioxide
lasers are used for a variety of surgical procedures, including skin resurfacing, removal of skin lesions,
and treatment of scars and wrinkles. Nd: YAG lasers are used for a variety of procedures, including
laser hair removal, treatment of spider veins, and removal of tattoos. Argon lasers are used primarily
for the treatment of eye conditions, such as glaucoma and retinal diseases. Each type of laser has its
own unique properties and is used for specific medical applications.
Treatment
Lasers are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including skin conditions, eye conditions,
and dental conditions. Laser therapy is used to treat skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and
psoriasis, as well as to remove unwanted hair, tattoos, and birthmarks. Laser therapy is also used to
treat eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. In dentistry,
lasers are used to remove decay, reshape gums, and whiten teeth. Laser therapy is a minimally
invasive and precise technique that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions with minimal
discomfort and downtime.
Lasers are also used to remove kidney stones. This is a minimally invasive procedure called laser
lithotripsy, which involves using a laser to break up the kidney stones into small pieces, which can
then be passed through the urinary tract. Laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment for kidney
P1: Explain how the principles and production of non-ionising radiation
technologies are used in medical applications.
Non-ionizing radiation technologies, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are
widely used in medical applications for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ultrasound uses high-
frequency sound waves to create images of the body's internal structures. These images can be used
to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including pregnancy, heart disease, and cancer.
Ultrasound is also used to guide medical procedures, such as biopsies and needle aspirations.
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal
structures. These images can be used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including brain
tumours, joint injuries, and spinal cord injuries. MRI is also used to guide medical procedures, such as
biopsies and surgeries.
Both ultrasound and MRI are non-invasive and do not use ionizing radiation, which makes them safer
than other imaging techniques that use ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and CT scans. This makes
them particularly useful for imaging children and pregnant women.
In addition to diagnostic applications, non-ionizing radiation technologies are also used in
therapeutic applications. For example, ultrasound can be used to break up kidney stones, and MRI
can be used to guide the delivery of cancer treatments to specific areas of the body.
Overall, non-ionizing radiation technologies are a valuable tool in modern medicine, providing safe
and effective diagnostic and therapeutic options for a wide range of medical conditions.
Non-iodising radiation techniques
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic
field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures. MRI
is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe and valuable tool for diagnosing
a wide range of medical conditions. MRI is used to diagnose and monitor many different conditions,
including cancers, heart and vascular disease, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders.
MRI is painless and does not require any special preparation, although patients may need to remove
metal objects from their body before the procedure. MRI is a valuable tool in modern medicine that
allows doctors to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions with greater accuracy and
precision.
,Instrumentation
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a combination of a powerful magnetic field, radio waves,
and a computer to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures. The MRI scanner
consists of a large, cylindrical magnet that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient. The
scanner also contains a series of gradient coils that produce radio waves and create a magnetic field
that can be used to produce images of the body's internal structures. During the procedure, the
patient lies on a table that slides into the scanner, which captures images of the body's internal
structures. The images are then processed by a computer to create detailed 2D or 3D images that
can be used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. The MRI scanner is a complex piece of
equipment that requires skilled operators and technicians to operate and maintain. MRI is a valuable
tool in modern medicine that allows doctors to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions
with greater accuracy and precision.
Diagnostic uses
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring many different
medical conditions. MRI can be used to diagnose and monitor cancers, heart and vascular disease,
neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and many other medical conditions. MRI is
particularly useful for imaging soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, and internal organs, which
can be difficult to see with other imaging techniques. MRI can also be used to detect abnormalities in
blood flow and to visualize the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. MRI is non-
invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe and valuable tool for diagnosing and
monitoring medical conditions. MRI is a valuable tool in modern medicine that allows doctors to
diagnose and treat many different medical conditions with greater accuracy and precision.
Benefits
There are several benefits to using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for medical diagnosis and
monitoring. First, MRI is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe imaging
technique for patients. Second, MRI can produce detailed images of the body's internal structures,
allowing doctors to make accurate diagnoses and monitor the progression of medical conditions over
time. Third, MRI can be used to visualize soft tissues, such as the brain and internal organs, which can
be difficult to see with other imaging techniques. Fourth, MRI can be used to detect abnormalities in
blood flow and to visualize the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. Fifth, MRI can
be used to guide minimally invasive procedures, such as biopsies and needle aspirations, reducing
the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. Overall, the non-invasive nature, detailed
images, and versatility of MRI make it a valuable tool in modern medicine.
Lasers
Lasers are a type of non-ionizing radiation that can be used for medical imaging and surgical
procedures. Lasers produce intense beams of light that can be highly focused and used to treat a
variety of medical conditions. In medicine, lasers are often used for surgical procedures, such as
correcting vision problems, removing skin blemishes, and treating cancer. Lasers can also be used to
heat and destroy cancer cells, as well as to shrink tumours by cutting off their blood supply. In
addition, lasers are used in cosmetic procedures to remove unwanted hair, tattoos, and scars. Lasers
can also be used in scientific research and industrial applications, such as cutting, welding, and
drilling materials. Unlike ionizing radiation techniques such as X-rays and CT scans, lasers do not
expose patients to harmful ionizing radiation, making them a safe and effective alternative for many
medical applications.
, Lasers are also used in non-invasive medical imaging techniques such as optical coherence
tomography (OCT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). OCT uses low-power laser light to create high-
resolution images of internal body structures, such as the retina, and is commonly used to diagnose
eye diseases. PAI uses laser-generated sound waves to create images of internal body structures,
such as blood vessels, and is being developed for a wide range of medical applications, including
cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Lasers are also used in non-medical applications, such as
in the entertainment industry for laser light shows, and in the manufacturing industry for cutting and
engraving materials.
Lasers are also used in the field of communications, where they are used to transmit information
over long distances through fibre optic cables. Lasers are used to convert electrical signals into light
signals, which are then transmitted through the fibre optic cable. The light signals are then converted
back into electrical signals at the receiving end. This technology allows for faster and more efficient
communication than traditional copper wire communication systems. Lasers are also used in the
military for a variety of applications, including range finding, target designation, and guided missile
systems. Lasers are also used in space exploration, where they are used for communication and
remote sensing applications.
Types
There are several types of lasers used in medical procedures, including carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers,
neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd: YAG) lasers, and argon lasers. Carbon dioxide
lasers are used for a variety of surgical procedures, including skin resurfacing, removal of skin lesions,
and treatment of scars and wrinkles. Nd: YAG lasers are used for a variety of procedures, including
laser hair removal, treatment of spider veins, and removal of tattoos. Argon lasers are used primarily
for the treatment of eye conditions, such as glaucoma and retinal diseases. Each type of laser has its
own unique properties and is used for specific medical applications.
Treatment
Lasers are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including skin conditions, eye conditions,
and dental conditions. Laser therapy is used to treat skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and
psoriasis, as well as to remove unwanted hair, tattoos, and birthmarks. Laser therapy is also used to
treat eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. In dentistry,
lasers are used to remove decay, reshape gums, and whiten teeth. Laser therapy is a minimally
invasive and precise technique that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions with minimal
discomfort and downtime.
Lasers are also used to remove kidney stones. This is a minimally invasive procedure called laser
lithotripsy, which involves using a laser to break up the kidney stones into small pieces, which can
then be passed through the urinary tract. Laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment for kidney
