Technological Advances in Radiology: See More With Diagnostic Imaging Services

Diagnostic imaging services are popular among those who want to look into their overall health. The industry is currently worth over $144.8 billion.

This makes sense when you consider that scanned images can help detect diseases and conditions early. Minimizing the likelihood of life-threatening problems is a priority, and it’s easier when you can see abnormalities in the bones, blood, and organs.

Healthcare imaging technology is also advancing rapidly. Accurate images are powered by recent advancements in radiology. Here, we’ll discuss technology like:

• Dual-energy imaging
• AI-aided image interpretation
• Web-based enterprise imaging systems

Read on for some information on life-saving modern technologies!

Improved Detector Technology

There are several types of radiology procedures, including:

• Taking standard X-rays
• Cancer detection
• Cancer treatments (such as tumor embolization)
• Angiography
• Embolization to control and stop excessive bleeding
• Necessary blood infusions
• Needle biopsies to examine internal organs

All of these procedures rely on detector technology. These technologies find and alert the medical professional to any abnormalities in the patient’s body.

Because detector technology is the foundation of radiology services, experts are constantly improving them. These high-priority advancements have recently included:

• Better resolution for output images
• Dynamic range of detection
• Better image quality with lower radiation doses

These systems work in tandem with image processing algorithms to showcase quality images for accurate diagnostics.

Dual-Energy Imaging

Computed axial tomography (CAT) is a digital radiography method that:

• Connects a standard X-ray tube to the patient
• Produces and emits X-ray beams
• Uses these beams to capture multiple angles of the patient’s body
• Works with a computer to assemble captured data
• Works with that computer to create ‘slices,’ which are complex cross-sectional images of the body

Dual-energy diagnostic imaging services are a new technology that works similarly to a CAT machine. The difference is that they use a second X-ray tube with a lower voltage. This works in tandem with the still-present higher-powered tube used in standard CAT scans.

Using two rays:

• Produces clearer images
• Includes more detailed imagery
• Helps to view areas of a patient’s body that may contain metal inserts (hip or ankle replacements, etc)
• Offers lower detection times
• Allows for easier 3D image reconstruction when needed

This concept isn’t new. It came about in the 1970s, but computer and processing technology was not quick enough to accommodate the theories behind dual-energy imaging.

However, dual-energy has recently become usable because of the faster processors we use. Rapidly gathering and assessing data is now possible in most medical facilities. These diagnostic procedures are now viable for those who want quick and accurate assessments.

Advanced Visualization

Experts can use modern technological advancements to make images three-dimensional. Some recent options for 3D image visualization include:

• 3D rendering
• Virtual reality
• Augmented reality

These can help doctors understand the anatomy of their individual patients better.

The images are immersive and give a lot of detail to those looking at them. This doesn’t just aid in diagnosis. It also makes planning for surgeries and other treatments either since the clinicians will better understand their patients’ body structure.

AI and Machine Learning in Diagnostic Imaging Services

Artificial intelligence makes machines able to learn from past data analysis. It’s especially useful in radiology technology because it can:

• Detect abnormalities automatically based on those they’ve found in the past
• Assess all parts of the image and flag any potential problems
• Provide diagnostic assistance based on past images and their diagnoses

These machine-learning-based programs:

• Store algorithms that help them interpret images
• Analyze data at a high speed
• Compare its findings to information in reputable medical databases
• Compare the images with previous findings to identify patterns
• Look for anomalies in comparison to past images
• Tell the medical professional what to look into more deeply

This allows for faster assessment and diagnosis of patients that may require speedy care. Getting critical information and an accurate diagnosis early might save people’s lives in some critical cases including those of cancer.

Quicker assessment also ensures that medical professionals know which cases to prioritize for intervention. This means better care for the patients who are in dire need of treatment.

Web-Based Imaging Systems

Web-based imaging systems allow images to be stored on HIPAA-compliant cloud technology. They’re not new, but these technologies are growing and changing constantly. AI and advanced imaging tools are one reason why, but they also work wonders for medical professionals trying to share data with each other and with patients.

Clinicians can access any patient reports they need from multiple devices. This includes smartphones and tablets. They’ll have access to healthcare information whenever they need it and won’t need to rely on designated workplaces and machines.

This lets medical experts:

• Access information more quickly
• Communicate with patients while on the go
• Conduct remote consultations via secure video chat
• Enhance the engagement of patients
• Make better decisions about treatment plans

Web-based imaging systems frequently rely on off-site cloud storage. This means storing patient data and images on a third-party server. There are several benefits to this, including scalable server use and dedicated cybersecurity experts for HIPAA compliance.

Outsourcing computer storage lets hospitals focus on patient care rather than infrastructure maintenance.

Some portable X-ray machines can even back up their data directly to the cloud. This means that no scans will be lost or inaccessible.

Remote Monitoring Software

Diagnostic imaging services are beginning to focus on being accessible remotely. This is because the CDC reports that telemedicine use among Americans is rapidly increasing.

Faster interpretations and medical recommendations are simpler with remote monitoring. Plus, people in more remote areas can access a higher quality of medical care as a result of this advancement.

Stay Healthy With Healthcare Imaging Technology

Now that you know some recent advancements in diagnostic imaging services, it’s time to take your health into your own hands. AO Multispecialty Clinic is committed to leveraging cutting-edge radiology strategies to provide you with accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

We aim to help people in Georgia and South Carolina catch problems early and live long, healthy lives. Contact our professionals to learn more about how we can help.