Radiation Science: How it is Playing a Role in Modern Healthcare

Many people have a negative impression of radioactive energy, due to its association with atomic weapons and radiation sickness. Radiation plays a very important role in modern medicine.

What Are Some Ways Radiation Is Used to Diagnose Problems?

There are multiple ways that radiation can be used for diagnosing problems. Some common examples are X-rays, CT scans, and positron emission tomography. X-ray imaging uses electromagnetic radiation to detect bone fractures, dental problems, and even some soft tissue problems. A CT scan is a way of combining multiple X-ray images into a 3-D image using computer software; this type of imaging is useful for diagnosing a wide range of pathologies. Positron emission tomography, on the other hand, involves taking radiopharmaceuticals internally and using gamma cameras to see where the radiation spreads through the body. This lets medical professionals observe metabolic processes within the body.

How Can Radiation Treat Illness?

There are also several ways that radiation can be used to treat diseases. Different radioactive substances have different applications that include treating hyperthyroidism, blood disorders, bone pain, and various types of tumors and cancers. The radioactive substance may be ingested or injected so as to flow freely throughout the body, or it may be kept in an isolated and sealed location in the form of radioactive beads inserted into the body.

The Importance of Radiation Science

Radiation science plays an extremely important role in medicine. It is also one of the fastest growing fields of research. Between the 1980’s and 2009, the number of diagnostic tests using radiation increased by sevenfold. There are also many types of medical professionals who deal with radiation in medicine, including nuclear medicine technologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, and nurses who specialize in radiation medicine. Getting a bachelor’s degree in radiation science is a great way to join this exciting field or to further an existing radiologist career. Visit here for more information.

Millions of people receive medical treatment using radiation every year. The technologies used are intricate and cutting-edge. The decades to come will see more and more groundbreaking advancements in ways medical professionals can diagnose and treat illness using radioactive energy. Given how important and interesting the field is, and how the demand for radiation treatments will continue to rise, it’s one of the best medical fields to go into. If you choose to study radiation science, you’ll be combining job security with an opportunity to really make a difference in people’s lives.