special subjects
Overview of Imaging Tests
Introduction
Imaging tests provide a picture of the body’s interior—of the whole body or part of it. Imaging helps doctors diagnose a disorder, determine how severe the disorder is, and monitor people after the disorder is diagnosed. Most imaging tests are painless, relatively safe, and noninvasive (that is, they do not require an incision in the skin or the insertion of an instrument into the body). Imaging tests may use the following: Radiation, as in X-Rays , Sound waves, as in Ultrasonography None Magnetic fields, as in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (MRI) Substances that are swallowed, injected, or inserted to highlight or outline the tissue or organ to be examined (called Radiographic Contrast Agents ) There are some Risks of Radiation in Medical Imaging in medical imaging. For information regarding imaging tests common for specific diagnoses and screenings, see the following: Introduction to Diagnosis of Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders None Overview of Tests for Lung Disorders None Imaging Tests None Tests for Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders None Introduction to Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders None Imaging Tests of the Liver and Gallbladder None Imaging Tests of the Urinary Tract None Tests for Eye Disorders None Tests for Gynecologic Disorders None Ultrasonography None Testing None 