Thursday, December 5, 2013

Diagnostic Imaging Goes Small

Diagnostic imaging is its own world and it changes on a daily basis. Hybrid modalities are invented and new ways to make procedures safer are brought forward. New manners of existing modalities are released to the market and there are many attempts at going ahead and making procedures universally affordable no matter the region. So what do you know about diagnostic imaging? Here are a few things that can be told:


  • MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging
  • CT stands for computed tomography
  • X-Ray is the gold standard and was invented over 100 years ago
  • All of the machines are fairly large

Diagnostic imaging modalities all have size and many buttons in common. When you step in to get a CT scan or you step in to get an MRI there’s something of a feeling of intimidation. Knowing that there is also some risk given the radiation that’s used, you feel a little of the nerves. So with the latest invention in diagnostic imaging there’s a great deal of surprise. The latest invention in scanning is a small molecule scanner the world’s smallest.

This particular invention is fresh and has yet to clear the massive hurdles that it must clear before being released to the market. Chances are that before this molecule scanner comes out it will be a few good years but this is amazing either way. According to the article on the invention it was stated that “Our invention allows lines to be 'written' and 'erased' much in the manner that an Etch A Sketch® toy operates. The only difference is that the smallest feature is a trillion times smaller than the children's toy, able to create conductive lines as narrow as two nanometers.” The invention will be small but the implications are gigantic.

This miniscule fix it all has what a lot of modalities lack, the ability to go molecule by molecule. The idea that the body can be read in flawless detail is huge. This could mean a different approach to cancer, heart conditions, maybe even AIDS.  Perhaps this is all too much, given this invention just came about, but it’s not bad to hope.

If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. We here at Clermont Radiology look forward to answering any questions you may have.


Charla Hurst
General Operations Manager
Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 




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