Diagnostic Imaging: X-Rays, CT, MRI, Ultrasound and Nuclear Scans

What it is

Diagnostic imaging means medical tests that make pictures of the inside of the body — organs, bones, blood vessels and tissues.

Common types

The machine used depends on your symptoms and the part of the body being checked:

• X-rays;
• CT (computed tomography) scans;
• nuclear medicine scans;
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans;
• ultrasound.

Why it's done

Imaging helps providers understand health problems and decide on care. It can:

• find problems early;
• show what's causing pain or other symptoms;
• help plan treatment;
• monitor a condition, or how well treatment is working.

Some tests also guide procedures, such as placing catheters, stents or other devices inside the body.

What to expect

Each test differs, but many share steps:

• you may need to change clothes or remove metal items, such as jewelry or glasses;
• some tests need you to fast (not eat or drink), or to drink contrast material, which helps parts of the body show up more clearly;
• many tests are quick;
• some require you to stay still inside a machine, which may be uncomfortable;
• some use a small amount of radiation — always tell your provider if you are, or might be, pregnant.

Afterward: most people can go back to normal activities right away. A specialist called a radiologist reviews the images and shares the results with your provider.

Sources

Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Diagnostic Imaging," National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.