Unit 21 : medical physics
applications
Sanayna nadeem 12D
,Learning aim A
Introduction
I will be shadowing a radiographer in order to gain knowledge and skills in the uses
of non-ionising and ionising radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
conditions, due to my placement within the Radiography Department of a teaching
hospital.i will produce a presentation which will show my understanding and
knowledge during University interviews.
Radiation
Radiation is the energy moving from one place to another as a wave or particle, at
the speed of light through space.
Non-ionising radiation
Non-ionising radiation , which is not as capable of detaching electrons from atoms
and molecules, nevertheless produces heat due to its energy.
Here is a few examples:
non-ionising radiation is not usually harmful but it can be to people who are in regular
contact with is so they'd need to protect themselves from it
Uses in the medical field
It can be used for ultrasounds,optical imaging and MRI scans etc
Risks
-damage to tissue because of the heat
-photochemical reactions to ur eye and ur skin
Benefits
You can see a proper imaging of the body and the structures and functions without
causing the damage that ionising radiation causes.
Reference: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-radiation
,Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Principle:
This is a type of scan that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to
produce detailed images of the soft tissues in your body. This procedure does not
use any radiation, which makes MRI less harmful than other forms of X-ray
scanning. As such, MRI images are often used for diagnosing medical conditions as
well as assessing injuries and surgeries.
The low-energy radio waves used in MRI scanners are free of any health risks, as
the field is generated by a magnetic force. Repeat scans can be performed without
harm.
Procedure:
-The patient will be asked to change into a hospital gown before the scan and to take
off any jewellery or metal objects that might interfere with the magnetic field. After
that, the patient will be placed on a table that slides into the MRI machine.
-Because MRI machines employ strong magnetic fields, a technologist will question
the patient in advance of the scan to determine whether it is safe to move forward.
This is due to the fact that some people have magnetic field-sensitive medical
implants.
-In order to place the area of interest in the magnet's centre, the technologist must
correctly position the patient. To aid in obtaining a sharp image, a special tool called
a coil may be positioned all around the target area.
-Radio waves and magnetic fields are combined to produce images during the
scanning process in an MRI machine. The patient will notice loud knocking or
tapping noises while undergoing the scan. The patient must remain motionless
throughout the scan because any movement will cause the images to become blurry.
-A contrast agent is occasionally used to improve the visibility of specific tissues or
structures. Before the scan, the patient receives an injection of this contrast material.
, -To obtain a complete set of images, the MRI scan may need to be performed more
than once. The duration of each scan is typically a few minutes, but the whole
process can take an hour or longer.
-In most cases, the patient can resume their regular activities right away after the
scan. The patient might need to drink more fluids to help flush out any contrast agent
that was administered.
-A radiologist or other medical professional with training in medical image
interpretation reviews the MRI scan's images. They will examine the pictures and
create a report that will be delivered to the patient's physician.
Reference:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146309
Reference:https://www.forbes.com/sites/johncumbers/2021/03/24/the-latest-qu
antified-self-trend-whole-body-mri/
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
This is a technique used to determine the location in the brain where a certain
function, such as speaking or memory recall, occurs. By understanding which areas
of the brain are activated during specific tasks and procedures, doctors can plan
treatment for disorders affecting that area. For example, when performing an fMRI
scan of someone's brain while they recite the Pledge of Allegiance, doctors will be
able to pinpoint the functional centre in their brains responsible for this task. This
information allows them to more precisely target surgical interventions or other
treatments on that specific part of the brain.
The uses and treatments:
-MRI is particularly helpful in identifying injuries or conditions affecting soft tissues
like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It can identify ailments like torn ligaments,
herniated discs, and torn rotator cuffs.
applications
Sanayna nadeem 12D
,Learning aim A
Introduction
I will be shadowing a radiographer in order to gain knowledge and skills in the uses
of non-ionising and ionising radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
conditions, due to my placement within the Radiography Department of a teaching
hospital.i will produce a presentation which will show my understanding and
knowledge during University interviews.
Radiation
Radiation is the energy moving from one place to another as a wave or particle, at
the speed of light through space.
Non-ionising radiation
Non-ionising radiation , which is not as capable of detaching electrons from atoms
and molecules, nevertheless produces heat due to its energy.
Here is a few examples:
non-ionising radiation is not usually harmful but it can be to people who are in regular
contact with is so they'd need to protect themselves from it
Uses in the medical field
It can be used for ultrasounds,optical imaging and MRI scans etc
Risks
-damage to tissue because of the heat
-photochemical reactions to ur eye and ur skin
Benefits
You can see a proper imaging of the body and the structures and functions without
causing the damage that ionising radiation causes.
Reference: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-radiation
,Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Principle:
This is a type of scan that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to
produce detailed images of the soft tissues in your body. This procedure does not
use any radiation, which makes MRI less harmful than other forms of X-ray
scanning. As such, MRI images are often used for diagnosing medical conditions as
well as assessing injuries and surgeries.
The low-energy radio waves used in MRI scanners are free of any health risks, as
the field is generated by a magnetic force. Repeat scans can be performed without
harm.
Procedure:
-The patient will be asked to change into a hospital gown before the scan and to take
off any jewellery or metal objects that might interfere with the magnetic field. After
that, the patient will be placed on a table that slides into the MRI machine.
-Because MRI machines employ strong magnetic fields, a technologist will question
the patient in advance of the scan to determine whether it is safe to move forward.
This is due to the fact that some people have magnetic field-sensitive medical
implants.
-In order to place the area of interest in the magnet's centre, the technologist must
correctly position the patient. To aid in obtaining a sharp image, a special tool called
a coil may be positioned all around the target area.
-Radio waves and magnetic fields are combined to produce images during the
scanning process in an MRI machine. The patient will notice loud knocking or
tapping noises while undergoing the scan. The patient must remain motionless
throughout the scan because any movement will cause the images to become blurry.
-A contrast agent is occasionally used to improve the visibility of specific tissues or
structures. Before the scan, the patient receives an injection of this contrast material.
, -To obtain a complete set of images, the MRI scan may need to be performed more
than once. The duration of each scan is typically a few minutes, but the whole
process can take an hour or longer.
-In most cases, the patient can resume their regular activities right away after the
scan. The patient might need to drink more fluids to help flush out any contrast agent
that was administered.
-A radiologist or other medical professional with training in medical image
interpretation reviews the MRI scan's images. They will examine the pictures and
create a report that will be delivered to the patient's physician.
Reference:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146309
Reference:https://www.forbes.com/sites/johncumbers/2021/03/24/the-latest-qu
antified-self-trend-whole-body-mri/
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
This is a technique used to determine the location in the brain where a certain
function, such as speaking or memory recall, occurs. By understanding which areas
of the brain are activated during specific tasks and procedures, doctors can plan
treatment for disorders affecting that area. For example, when performing an fMRI
scan of someone's brain while they recite the Pledge of Allegiance, doctors will be
able to pinpoint the functional centre in their brains responsible for this task. This
information allows them to more precisely target surgical interventions or other
treatments on that specific part of the brain.
The uses and treatments:
-MRI is particularly helpful in identifying injuries or conditions affecting soft tissues
like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It can identify ailments like torn ligaments,
herniated discs, and torn rotator cuffs.
