X-rays are forms of bright energy, like light. Unlike light, x-rays can go through the body, which allows radiology personnel to create pictures of internal structures that can be seen on a computer screen (Radiologyinfo, 2014). X-ray exams give useful information to determine what ails a person and helps their doctor make an appropriate diagnosis. They can also be used to assist with placement of tubes or other instruments that help with therapeutic procedures (Radiologyinfo, 2014). The scientific unit of measurement for radiation dose, or effective dose, is millisievert (mSv). Other dose measurements are roentgen, rad, rem, gray and sievert. Since different organs and tissues have fluctuating sensitivity to radiation, the actual radiation…show more content… Contrast is a substance that can be taken by mouth or injected through an IV. Contrast causes the particular area to appear more clearly or bright by soaking it up and highlighting it on the image. Some exams with contrast may require the patient to fast for a specific amount of time before the procedure (Health Library). CT scans of the abdominal area give more detailed information about the organs and structures that reside there, more than a standard x-ray would. The reasons for a CT scan are a lot like the reasons for an x-ray of the abdomen. Most of the time, a CT is needed when the x-rays are inconclusive or when the doctor needs a more detailed look into the organs or other structures more clearly indicated on the scan. CT exams take more time than x-rays and they also cost more. An x-ray of the abdomen ranges from 200 to 550 dollars. A CT scan of the abdomen costs anywhere from 600 to 1,000 dollars, depending on if they use contrast or not (Health Library). Below is a CT scan done of the abdomen. The picture on the left is a coronal slice, where it cuts on image of the patient from front to back. There is a huge difference between a CT abdominal scan and a x-ray of the abdomen. On a CT, a person can distinctly see more tissues, organs and like in this CT, two…show more content… But also, they both have different ways of showing the body's anatomy. X-rays are good for showing bone and the outline of some organs. X-rays are painless and a very quick procedure. Overall, x-rays cost less than CT scans and they are less risky, too. On the contrary, CT scans are very detailed compared to x-rays because they show the tissues and organs. Also, they are more versatile to what the technologist can do with them. But, they cost more, they give the patient more exposure to radiation, they are more risky and they take more time. Largely, what exam the patient has done depends on their doctor and what they are looking for. All most all of the time the benefits outweigh the
