Radiology and diagnostic imaging – why precision is key

When you're sick or have been injured, your doctor might order medical diagnostic imaging, like an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound. But what does this mean for you in terms of the quality of your diagnosis and care? Read on for more on why quality and precision are important in diagnostic imaging and radiology.

What is diagnostic imaging and radiology?

Diagnostic imaging, which includes radiology, is the term used for various types of tests that let your doctors see inside your body. With these tests, your doctor will look for clues that might suggest that you have a certain medical condition.

Different types of diagnostic imaging machines and techniques can provide different information. Some diagnostic imaging techniques can see the structures in your body while others can provide a real-time picture of motion and your body's activities. The particular type of medical imaging you receive will be based on your symptoms and the part of your body being examined. Commonly used types of medical imaging include:

• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI scans
• CT scans

Most diagnostic imaging tests are painless and quick. Occasionally, some types of tests might be uncomfortable because they require you to remain very still for a long time while the machine captures a clear image.

Does precision matter in diagnostic imaging?

If your doctor orders diagnostic imaging to better understand your symptoms, you may be wondering about what to look for in a radiology provider. Does quality matter? What is quality in terms of medical imaging?

Quality and precision are very important in diagnostic imaging. More precise and clear imagery gives your doctor the best opportunity to accurately diagnose your symptoms. You also want to know that your doctor is getting results as quickly as possible - the faster your doctor receives results, the faster your treatment can progress.

Here's what you should look for in these four areas:

Quality of the radiological staff: It's important that your radiologic technologists (those taking the images) and radiologists (the doctors interpreting the results) are all highly qualified and trained. Most of the time, this means being credentialed and receiving ongoing education in the field. By using an accredited facility, you can be sure that the staff doing your imagery are highly trained.

Maintenance and state-of-the-art equipment: The machines used to create diagnostic images are complex and sophisticated. They require regular maintenance and checks to ensure that they are functioning at the best of their ability.

It's also important that your doctor has access to the latest, most advanced machines, as these are most likely to provide accurate results. "Over the years, MRI technology has been constantly advancing and producing sharper, clearer images in less time," says Reid Health neurologist Dr. Jordan Raynor. "The 3T MRI machine used at Reid Health visualizes the brain with unprecedented detail, [and] has increased sensitivity to multiple sclerosis lesions." This added power translates to more accurate diagnoses.

Getting results to your doctor quickly and ease of access: A radiologist in your primary care physician's network is equipped with the right communication channels to deliver your results to your doctor as quickly as possible. This is important because faster results mean a diagnosis sooner - which is key to getting back to the things you enjoy as quickly as possible. Ease of access is also important - if your medical imaging provider is close to your home or doctor's office, it will be more convenient to get the testing when you need it.

How can I find a quality diagnostic imaging and radiology provider?

A great first step when looking for a diagnostic imaging provider is to ask your primary care provider. They have likely ordered hundreds of radiological tests in the past and will have a good understanding of who in your area can provide clear, accurate radiological testing results.