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What is Diagnostic Radiology?

Diagnostic radiology is a field of medicine that uses radiological imaging to diagnose and treat health conditions. Diagnostic radiologists operate equipment that scans and produces detailed images of a patient's body. The resulting images enable physicians to detect and monitor some diseases and physical irregularities. Imaging procedures a diagnostic radiologist may perform include:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), radio waves show the interior body and bones
• Computed Tomography (CT), an X-ray device imaging soft tissue
• Fluoroscopy, a video capturing movement within the body
• PET, radiation screenings showing the interior of the body

For fluoroscopy and some other procedures, patients may be asked to consume a substance called contrast dye. Contrast dyes emphasize certain structures or functions within the body during radiological scans. Anesthesia to induce unconsciousness can also be used during diagnostic radiology to ensure the patient is comfortable and still. After the scan is successfully completed, diagnostic radiologists interpret the imaging results.

Diagnostic radiologists may choose to focus on a distinct area of radiology, also known as a subspecialty. Within their subspecialty, they may treat a particular population, area of the body, or subset of similar conditions. Some diagnostic radiology subspecialties may include:

• Chest and cardiac imaging
• Vascular radiology
• Neuroradiology
• Pediatric radiology
• Nuclear radiology
• Oncology imaging
• Musculoskeletal imaging

Diagnostic radiologists are physicians who have trained in radiology. Diagnostic radiologists may work alongside radiology technicians, primary care physicians, specialists, and others.