While it’s not always an ideal situation, there are a number of medical conditions that require scans and testing that can be uncomfortable or invasive to some people. Typically, a doctor will try at first to make a diagnosis using a physical and blood tests. But if these initial methods do not suffice, it is likely that your doctor will ask you to come in to your local radiology department for a CAT scan, an MRI, or x-ray testing. Knowing what these tests entail before you arrive is a good way to ensure that you are prepared when you meet with your radiologist.
Here are the different types of X-ray and MRI exams:
Barium Enema
A barium enema is a type of x-ray examination that is also known as a gastrointestinal exam, or a HI exam. This takes a look at the large intestines, the rectum and the colon. Barium enemas are used in order to diagnose conditions and disorders that affect the large intestine. For the procedure, the barium liquid is injected into the rectum using a small tube. The barium is a contrast material, making it visible to the x-ray.
Angiography
This is a type of x-ray test that is used to see if a patient has any obstructions in their coronary arteries. For this test, contrast material is injected into a heart artery.
CAT Scan
Computed axial tomography scans, or CAT scans, are noninvasive tests that are used to create a number of x-ray images. These x-ray images are then used to construct a 3-d image of the patients body. This is either conducted on its own or using a contrast medium.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRIs are tests that utilize magnetic fields and the pulses of radio waves in order to create images of organs and internal body structures. MRIs are unique and valuable because they are able to provide information that x-rays and ultrasounds are unable to provide. They are also able to produce images that are capable of being viewed from multiple angles. MRIs are performed by passing the body through a special machine that contains a small magnet.