Learning Outcomes 53.1 Explain how x-rays are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 53-2 CHAPTER 53 X-rays and Diagnostic Radiology 53.2 Compare invasive and noninvasive diagnostic procedures. 53.3 Carry out the medical assistant s role in x-ray and diagnostic radiology testing. Learning Outcomes 53.4 Demonstrate the medical assistant s duties when preparing a patient for an x-ray. 53.5 Explain the risks and safety precautions associated with radiology work. 53.6 Describe proper procedures for filing and maintaining x-ray films and records. 53-3 Introduction Diagnostic radiology is a valuable tool Screening Clinical diagnosis Medical assistant Role in noninvasive and invasive procedures Safety issues Proper handling and storage of films Preparation and instruction of patients 53-4 Brief History of the X-Ray Discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen Electromagnetic wave Travels 186,000 miles/sec Short wavelength Penetrates solid objects Reacts with photographic film 53-5 Brief History of the X-Ray Diagnostic and therapeutic uses Radiologist Physician Interprets films Radiologic technologists 53-6 1
53-7 53-8 Diagnostic Radiology Diagnostic Radiology Contrast medium Purpose Makes internal organs denser Blocks passage of x-rays to film Provides a clearer image of organs and tissues Types Gases Heavy metal salts Iodine compounds Invasive procedures A catheter, wire, or other testing device is inserted into a blood vessel or organ by a radiologist Requires surgical aseptic techniques Patients must be closely monitored, especially if anesthesia is used Diagnostic Radiology Noninvasive procedures View internal structures Standard x-rays Ultrasonography Do not require inserting devices, breaking the skin, or as great a degree of monitoring as invasive procedures Uses the conventional x-ray machine or specialized instruments 53-9 1. X-rays are electromagnetic waves that travel at the speed of light and penetrate solid objects 2. What is the difference in noninvasive and invasive procedures? ANSWER: Noninvasive procedures do not require inserting devices, breaking the skin, or special monitoring and use conventional x-ray machines or specialized instruments to visualize internal organs. Invasive procedures require surgical aseptic technique for the insertion of a catheter, wire, or other testing device into an organ or blood vessel. 53-10 Medical Assistant s Role in Diagnostic Radiology 53-11 Medical Assistant s Role in Diagnostic Radiology 53-12 Assist with or perform procedures Based on scope of practice for state Pre- and postprocedure patient care Patient education Preprocedure care Schedule appointments Provide preparation instructions Explain the procedure Ask pertinent questions Medication history Women possibility of pregnancy 2
Medical Assistant s Role in Diagnostic Radiology 53-13 53-14 Care during and after a procedure Assist with placing, removing, and developing film How can you find out what role you can take in radiologic testing as a medical assistant? ANSWER: Check with your state s scope of practice for medical assistants. Tasks listed in Procedure 53-1 Assisting with an X-ray Examination Contrast media in diagnostic tests Adverse effects Mild to severe Localized to systemic Check for allergy to fish Examples Angiography Arthrography Barium swallow or enema Cystography Myelography Retrograde pyelography Nuclear medicine studies 53-15 Fluoroscopy X-rays cause certain chemicals to emit visible light Allows for viewing movement of an organ or passage of substances through organs Hysterosalpingography Examination of uterus and fallopian tubes by fluoroscopy Used to evaluate shape and structure of uterus and patency of fallopian tubes 53-16 53-17 53-18 Arthrography Contrast medium and fluoroscopy Used to diagnose abnormalities or injuries in cartilage, tendons, or ligaments Barium enema or swallow Contrast medium barium Diagnose and evaluate obstructions, ulcers, polyps, diverticulosis, tumors, or motility Patient instructions and compliance important Cholecystography detect gallstones or abnormalities of the gallbladder Cholangiography evaluate function of bile duct Conventional tomography Uses a computerized camera that moves back and forth over the patient One view per arc over patient Computer tomography Camera rotates completely around the patient Cross-sectional view from each rotation 3
53-19 53-20 Heart x-ray shows configuration of the heart and cardiac enlargement or aortic dilation Intravenous pyelography (IVP) Used to evaluate urinary system Shows contrast medium moving through kidneys, ureters, and bladder Retrograde pyelography Similar to IVP but contrast medium injected through a urethral catheter Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB) radiography X-ray of abdomen Assesses the size, shape, and position of urinary organs Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic field to examine internal structures and soft tissues Mammography x-ray exam of internal breast tissues 53-21 53-22 Myelography Fluoroscopy of the spinal cord used to evaluate spinal abnormalities Performed less frequently because of new technology Nuclear medicine Use of radionuclides or radioisotopes to evaluate internal organs Types include SPECT PET MUGA Stereoscopy specially designed microscope used to produce 3-D images of abnormalities in the skull Thermography Infrared camera photographs variations in skin temperatures Diagnosis of breast tumors, breast abscesses, and fibrocystic breast disease Ultrasound Directs high-frequency sound waves to produce an echo of the internal organ Produces image based on echo Xeroradiography X-rays developed with powdered toner on specialized paper Less radiation exposure 53-23 Bravo! True or False: ANSWER: T Fluoroscopy is used for many procedures. fallopian tubes F Hysterosalpingography is used to evaluate the patency of the colon. F Cholangiography is used to detect abnormalities of the gallbladder. bile duct F For an IVP, the radiologist injects the contrast medium through a catheter. a retrograde pyelography T An MRI uses a combination of nonionizing radiation and a strong magnetic field. less often due to advanced technologies F Myelography is done frequently to evaluate for spinal abnormalities. T Thermography uses an infrared camera to record variations in skin temperature. 53-24 4
Common Therapeutic Uses of Radiation Radiation therapy used to treat cancer by preventing cellular reproduction Two types: Teletherapy allows deep penetration; used for deep tumors Brachytherapy Places temporary radioactive implants close to or directly into the cancerous tissue Requires special precautions for radiation safety 53-25 Radiation Safety and Dose Reducing patient exposure Advances in technology Assessment of benefit-to-risk ratio NCRP Guidelines for protection from radiation Prevent serious damage from radiation by limiting radiation dose levels Reduce risk of cancer and genetic effects Individual dose limits set 53-26 Radiation Safety and Dose Personnel safety Always wear a radiation exposure badge Make sure equipment is working properly Anyone present when equipment is operating should wear lead shield 53-27 1. What are the two types of radiation therapy? ANSWER: Teletherapy allows for deep penetration and is used for deep tumors. Brachytherapy involves the implantation of temporary radioactive implants close to or directly into cancerous tissue. 2. What should the physician consider before ordering radiologic testing for a patient? ANSWER: The benefit-to-risk ratio. Super! 53-28 Storing and Filing X-rays Keep fresh film on hand Maintain new and exposed film in good condition at proper temperature and humidity Prevent pressure marks Keep expiration dates visible Use oldest film first Open all packages or boxes in darkroom Do not store near acid or ammonia vapors 53-29 Storing and Filing X-rays Document x-ray information Patient record card or record book Verify that film is labeled correctly File correctly Film-filing envelope Use out-card when removing file 53-30 5
Electronic Medicine Telemedicine technology Rapid video Computer-based communications Stereotaxis magnetic neurosurgery technique Digital imaging Eliminates traditional x- ray films Decreased exposure to radiation DICOM communication protocol Advances in radiology 3D/4D ultrasound live-action images 53-31 1. How do you store new and exposed x-ray film? ANSWER: X-ray film should be stored at proper temperature and humidity. Packages should be stored on end and not stacked. 2. What is DICOM? ANSWER: DICOM is a communications protocol for handling, storing, printing, and transmitting information in medical imaging. 53-32 In Summary 53.1 An x-ray is a high-energy electromagnetic wave that travels at the speed of light and can penetrate solid objects. X-rays can be used for diagnosis by producing images of internal body structures. Therapeutically, x-rays are used to treat cancer by preventing cellular reproduction. 53.2 Invasive procedures require a radiologist to insert a catheter, wire, or other testing device into a patient s blood vessel or organ through the skin or a body orifice. Noninvasive diagnostic procedures do not require inserting devices, breaking the skin, or the degree of monitoring needed with invasive procedures. 53-33 In Summary 53.3 A medical assistant can work directly with a radiology facility to assist the radiologist or technicians in performing diagnostic procedures. Providing preprocedure and postprocedure care are duties a medical assistant can perform in a medical or radiology facility. 53.4 The medical assistant can prepare the patient for radiological testing by thoroughly explaining preprocedure care and care during and after the procedure. 53-34 53-35 53-36 In Summary 53.5 The greatest risk associated with a radiology facility is the potential for radiation exposure to patients and health-care workers. To eliminate this risk, certain safety precautions should be followed. These include careful evaluation by the physician to determine the medical necessity of radiology testing, avoiding x-rays altogether if a patient is pregnant, and requiring all personnel who work in a radiology facility to wear a dosimeter. In Summary 53.6 Proper procedures for filing and maintaining x-ray films and records include documenting the patient s name, the date, the type of x-ray, and the number of x-rays taken in the patient record card or in the record book; properly labeling the film with the referring doctor s name, the date, and the patient s name; placing the processed film in a film-filing envelope; and filing the envelope according to office policy. 6
End of Chapter 53 53-37 Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly--they'll go through anything. You read and you're pierced. ~ Aldous Huxley 7