Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Radiology Equipment?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Individuals who work in the radiology field operate different types of radiology equipment for the purpose of seeing and taking images of the inside of the human body. X-ray, computer axial tomography (CAT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines are among those used in radiology. This equipment can be important in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of injuries and conditions. For example, x-rays can be used to diagnose bone fractures and certain lung problems.

One of the most familiar types of radiology equipment is the x-ray machine. An x-ray machine uses x-rays, which are a kind of electromagnetic radiation, to produce images of the inside of a person’s body. X-ray machines send photons, which are particles of x-rays, through a person’s body, and special film captures the images. Often, people have x-rays during routine dental examinations, but this technology is also used to give doctors a view of many different parts of the body.

A magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
A magnetic resonance imaging scanner.

A CAT scanner is another type of radiology equipment that allows doctors to see the inside of a person’s body. CAT scanning equipment produces cross-sectional images of the area under examination, which can be viewed on a special computer monitor or printed out for later use and analysis. Often, CAT scans are used instead of x-rays when a medical professional needs to obtain clearer images of a patient's organs, bones, and even blood vessels. These tests provide more detailed images than x-rays can.

Studying the brain might involve several types of radiology equipment.
Studying the brain might involve several types of radiology equipment.

CAT scans work in a similar manner to x-rays. With this procedure, many x-rays rotate around the patient along with special electronic detectors. While these detectors measure how much radiation the person’s body absorbs, the examine table moves inside the scanner to ensure the required images are obtained. A computer takes the data produced by the scanner and creates cross-sectional images of the inside of the body.

Magnetic resonance imaging machines align the water molecules in the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging machines align the water molecules in the body.

An MRI machine is another important piece of radiology equipment. This type of machine uses a magnetic field, instead of radiation, to obtain images of the inside of a person’s body. With this machine, an electric current and wire coils are used to produce a magnetic current. The magnetic field then stimulates water molecules to align, and radio waves cause them to give off signals. These radio waves are sent to a computer that processes images the signals create.

Dental offices require a number of different radiology devices in order to give a full view of the mouth from all angles.
Dental offices require a number of different radiology devices in order to give a full view of the mouth from all angles.

The high-resolution images produced by this machine present views of a thin slice of the area under examination. Often, this machine is used to view parts of the body that are harder to evaluate with other types of imaging. For example, an MRI machine is better for capturing images of the spinal cord than an x-ray or CAT scan machine.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Glasis

Imaging equipment is an important tool for diagnosing the presence or severity of many illnesses and injuries.

However, unfortunately, even the clearest, most fine-tuned images are usually not enough on their own to give a thorough diagnosis for cancer patients.

Once diagnostic radiology procedures detect the presence of a spot or other abnormality, a biopsy will likely still need to be performed to determine whether a tumor is present and, if it is, if it is benign or malignant.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
      By: Andrey Navrotskiy
      A magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
    • Studying the brain might involve several types of radiology equipment.
      By: bunyos
      Studying the brain might involve several types of radiology equipment.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging machines align the water molecules in the body.
      By: Ioana Davies (Drutu)
      Magnetic resonance imaging machines align the water molecules in the body.
    • Dental offices require a number of different radiology devices in order to give a full view of the mouth from all angles.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      Dental offices require a number of different radiology devices in order to give a full view of the mouth from all angles.
    • Some types of MRI scans must be interpreted in real time.
      By: EPSTOCK
      Some types of MRI scans must be interpreted in real time.
    • A CAT scan is often used when a clear image of a patient's organs, bones, or blood vessels are necessary.
      By: Andrey Ushakov
      A CAT scan is often used when a clear image of a patient's organs, bones, or blood vessels are necessary.
    • X-rays can be used to diagnose certain lung problems.
      By: citylights
      X-rays can be used to diagnose certain lung problems.