With the advances in medical technology over the past few decades, a simple X-ray is no longer the standard way for medical professionals to gain a look inside the body. Many ways allow a peek within and the more common methods include CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, and X-rays. These are now known as Medical Imaging and in most medical facilities, patients will be sent to the Medical Imaging Department for any of these procedures.

Most Americans will experience one or more of these diagnostic tools so it’s wise to understand what each one entails. It’s also smart to know how to prepare for each of the different procedures.

Types of Medical Imaging

X-ray – or radiograph – is the original form of medical imaging. In this method, X-rays are passed through the body and the image appears on photographic film. An X-ray looks a lot like photo negatives. X-rays show dense body parts like bones as very white and less dense tissues as dark. Common uses of X-ray include determining whether or not a patient has broken bones.

CT scans are often called "cat scans." CT scans use the same technology as an X-ray but in a three dimensional way. Instead of the flat pictures in a standard X-ray, a CT scan offers several images, sometimes called slices. This offers medical professionals the chance to view not just a frontal view of an organ but an inner, outer, and view within.

MRI or magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnet to line hydrogen atoms in the human body to allow them to receive radio waves. The body sends back a radio signal back to the MRI machine which are converted into detailed images of the body part in question.

Ultrasounds are a form of sonography. Pregnant women usually receive at least one ultrasound to determine if the fetus is developing properly. Some medical issues can be determined through ultrasound and repaired before birth with fetal surgery. Ultrasounds are also often used to detect gallstones or tumors. It’s called an ultrasound because high frequency sound waves are sent into the body and the echo that comes back provides an image.

Two liquid methods are often used in conjunction with medical imaging. These are contrast and barium.

Contrast is the correct term for what most patients call dye. This procedure happens when a liquid is injected into the blood stream or the patient is asked to drink it. The type of contrast used varies with the type of examination necessary but the purpose is to highlight areas to make them more visible for an X-ray or CT scan.

Barium is used primarily in the digestive system as a diagnostic tool. Barium is chalky, white liquid and can be either drank or used through an enema. Once the barium is within the body, it can pinpoint areas like ulcers or other medical problems.

Preparations For Medical Imaging

Once a medical imaging procedure has been scheduled, it’s time to prepare.

Don’t wear jewelry. Leave rings, watches, necklaces and bracelets at home. Jewelry can cause problems with medical imaging and it could become lost. It’s best to leave it at home but a second best option would be to tuck jewelry into a purse or bag. Or, jewelry could be left with someone who accompanies you to the procedure.

Make sure questions have been answered before the test begins. Patients about to undergo medical imaging should be aware of what to expect. Know how long the test will take and understand if more than one test might be required.

If the doctor provided preparation instructions, follow them to the letter. Ask for the instructions in writing if they’re not provided to have something to go by. It’s too easy to forget vital points. If a patient isn’t supposed to have eaten but has breakfast before a test, the test will need to be rescheduled. If the patient didn’t mention having breakfasted, it might affect the results which, in addition to the potential for unnecessary stress, will again lead to another session. If written instructions weren’t provided, call and ask for them. These can be mailed, faxed, or even e-mailed.

Don’t wear clothing with metal. This would include jeans with metal snaps, zippers, and trim.

Although most patients will don a hospital gown for medical imaging, there are easy dressing suggestions that can make things go more smoothly. Ladies should choose a sports bra over a standard one because most traditional bras have metal hooks. Wear regular, plain underwear – no thongs. Men should wear briefs – not boxers with metal snappers.

Wear comfortable easy to remove clothing like cotton sweatpants and sweatshirt. A cotton T-shirt also works. Wear white socks and athletic shoes unless a barium procedure is planned. In that case, dark socks are a better choice in case of unexpected accidents.

Medical imaging departments are notorious for being cold. The various machines make heat so temperatures are kept low to compensate. Patients in a thin gown can often be quite cold. When dressed in cotton sweats, ask if it’s possible to wear those garments. It’s often allowed. If not, patients in a gown who feel chilled can ask for a blanket or two if necessary.

If taking contrast or barium by mouth, ask about the taste. If the taste is nasty, it can be difficult to drink it down. Gagging and vomiting are not something any patient wants to experience. Vomiting would only require that more be drunk so ask the staff for help. Contrast and barium are more palatable when cold. It helps some people to drink it through a straw in a cup with a closed lid.

Positioning is important. During medical imaging, the technicians must get images of the area in question but there are ways to minimize discomfort. Ask if it’s possible to have a pillow under back or legs. If the position a patient finds himself in is painful, don’t suffer in silence. Ask that a workable alternative be found.

Anyone who feels claustrophobic should ask for an open MRI. Ask if it’s possible to listen to a favorite CD to keep from obsessing about the procedure and to pass the time. Most MRI equipment has sound systems and headphones or speakers. For mental imaging procedures that take longer, ask about bringing your own CD player.

Diabetics required to fast before a procedure should bring along a sugar source if blood sugar levels should drop.

After the imaging is over, there are a few things to do. Ask if there are any special instructions to follow at home. Drink a lot over the next 24 hours especially if contrast was used to wash it out of the body. Check a mirror if barium or contrast was used to avoid strange or discolored lips. Results are not normally immediate but concerned patients can ask before leaving.

Once home, take a break from daily routines and get some rest. Although not as invasive as surgery procedures, medical imaging can be stressful and unpleasant so take a little recovery time.