Medical Technology in Imaging and Medical Physics

The Professional Degree in Medical Technology plays an important role in society through comprehensive training that considers technological advances and serves as a pillar in the Task Force, with full concern for the patient.

Post-training and postgraduate development is dynamic, constantly adding to the technologist's task through training and specialization courses, attendance and presentations at conferences, and developing high-level research projects.

The Medical Technology specialist must always consider protection elements to ensure that the irradiation dose is the smallest possible for both the patient and for occupationally exposed personnel, as well as the public and population.

Radiology and Medical Physics Specializations

Within Radiology and Medical Physics, key specializations include:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiotherapy
• Radiodiagnosis

Nuclear Medicine

A subspecialty of Radiology and Medical Physics.

Nuclear Medicine uses radiation as tracers for the study of the function of different organs and structures.

It is a technique whose primary purpose is diagnosis using gamma radiation.

Main strength: Examine physiological volumes.

Radiopharmacy

Tracer + Pharmaceutical Agent (FA) = Radiopharmaceutical (ISO RMAC)

Isomole = Radioactive substance, a product of a nuclear reactor or cyclotron generator.

Pharmaceutical Agent = Substance that has affinity for the organ or structure which is desired to study.

Nuclear Medicine Applications and Tools

• Laboratory
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Gamma camera
• Thyroid Uptake studies
• Lung Cancer imaging (using isotope fluorine-18)
• Bone metastasis detection in thyroid cancer

Radiotherapy

A sub-specialty of Radiology and Medical Physics.

Treatment of Cancer With:

• Gamma Radiation
• X-rays
• Electrons

(All High Energy)

Radiotherapy Equipment and Procedures

Linear Accelerator for Radiotherapy

• Treatment planning by defining the tumor pathology area and number of fields.
• Perform simulation procedures of treatment prior to its implementation.
• Monitoring of treatments in order to detect and correct variations.

Radiodiagnosis or Imaging

A sub-specialty of Radiology and Medical Physics.

Imaging Techniques

• Conventional and Digital X-ray Radiology
• Computed Tomography (Scanner)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (using radiofrequency waves)
• Echography/Ultrasound (using ultrasound waves)
• Angiography and Hemodynamics (using X-ray)

X-ray Equipment Components

• X-ray Tube
• X-ray Equipment
• Portable X-ray Equipment

X-ray Equipment in Surgical Ward

With this equipment, the image can be viewed on a television monitor, and X-rays can be taken if necessary during surgery.

X-ray Equipment Accessories

Pyelography Technique

X-rays with iodinated contrast.

Mammography Equipment

Specialized X-ray equipment designed for mammography, which requires high-quality images.