Over the last two decades, radiology technology has improved dramatically. From CT scan systems, X-rays, and ultrasounds, these systems have become an asset to the medical industry, and what’s great is that they’re continually being improved with every little breakthrough in technology. For some of us, though, we overlook these amazing technological feats that revolutionise our healthcare systems.
So, to give you some insight into how amazing technology is, here are some of the latest innovations in radiology.
What is Radiology?
Radiology is the term used to describe the healthcare practice or department that specialises in medical imaging systems that are used to diagnose internal bodily issues like diseases or injuries that use to require an invasive surgery to diagnose. In a radiology department, they’d often have an X-ray machine, CT Scan, or MRI scan. Some places specialise in radiology, like Mermaid Beach Radiology.
When you go for treatment at a radiology clinic or department, a radiologist will be the individual operating the tools for the procedure. Radiology technicians or radiologists are highly trained individuals who know how to read and function the machines used to diagnose your issue. They’ll then relay their findings to your doctor.
When should you see a Radiologist?
Generally speaking, you’re only sent to a radiolist when you have an issue that cannot be diagnosed by its symptoms according to a doctor or physician. Radiology imaging systems are designed to provide medical personnel with an insight into what’s happening in your body without opening you up. For example, say you go to the doctor because you have intense pain in your knee after falling out of a tree.
The doctor suspects that you’ve damaged your ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament). They’ll send you for an X-ray to get a better idea of the extent of the injury. When results come back, they find that you’ve partially torn your ACL, and now they can recommend a treatment. The same goes for other injuries or issues, like:
- Unexplained symptoms
- Chronic conditions
- Screening for cancer
- Monitoring the effectiveness of a treatment
- Prenatal care
- Injury assessments
The Latest Advancements in Radiology
Over the last few years, radiology systems have come a long way, improving their imaging capabilities and accuracy so that doctors can better diagnose and treat conditions that patients may have. Here are some of the latest advancements in radiology technology:
The integration of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm. From large language models to automating manufacturing processes, AI has made a huge impact on how things operate. In the medical industry, AI has made just as much of an impact.
By integrating AI and machine learning algorithms into how radiology systems process, analyse, and detect abnormalities, AI has made these systems more accurate, faster, and efficient. It helps technicians avoid having to take retakes by improving image quality and aids in sorting the data to present a simplified diagnosis of any issues so the radiologist doesn’t have to spend hours sifting through the data themselves. As far as benefits go, AI has improved the workflow efficiency and the accuracy of medical professionals’ diagnoses.
Off-site cloud storage for healthcare facilities
Storing patient data has always been a problem that medical facilities have faced. Public and private hospitals alike deal with large quantities of patients every year. Thus, they need to have an effective way of keeping their documents safe and accessible.
With the improvements in cloud technology, Hospitals can now store and access their information with the click of a button. The benefit in these cloud-based storage systems is that they can potentially store limitless amounts of patient data, ensuring that the hospitals always have consistent and immediate access to data. Likewise, it also enables for data to be shared easier.
Consider this: 50 years ago, hospitals stored most of the patients’ data as hard copy files, using up large spaces to store these files. Whenever they needed one, they’d need to sift through them to find the right patient folder. Now, one simply needs to log into the system, type in a patient name, and all their data for its first entry will be made available to them
Remote access systems
Another benefit of cloud-based technology in healthcare is that it allows medical personnel to have remote access to vital information from anywhere with a safe internet connection. Doctors, nurses, surgeons, or radiologists can all access patient data through their own log-in to the facility’s cloud-based server, giving them access to all the information they need to treat the patient. This allows them to use their mobile phones, laptops, or tablets to remotely access systems to monitor patients and even administer treatments in some cases.
Final Thoughts
With every year, radiology systems get better and better, offering us better care. Let’s find security in the knowledge that our healthcare systems are constantly developing ways in which they can more accurately diagnose and treat any issues or conditions we may develop. The future isn’t as far off as it may seem.
Image by GrumpyBeere from Pixabay
The editorial staff of Medical News Bulletin had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Medical News Bulletin. Medical News Bulletin does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products or services, nor do we endorse any products, services, or links in our Sponsored Articles.
