Medical Clinic

CT SCANS

MagneticResonanceImaging

XRAY MachinesNuclear

ResonanceImaging

Barbie WongMr. Bruni

Jan 17. 2011

Designing A Medical Clinic- IntroductionHave you ever walked into the medical clinic for an x-ray on a broken ankle and

wondered where you were going? The design of the medical clinic is very important to help patients, doctors, and nurses work smoothly and efficiently. Commonly, patients walk into the design clinic where they are greeted by nurses behind the counter at the reception.

Patients sign in and wait patiently in the waiting room next to the reception, where the waiting for exams and test results will take place. The waiting room is filled with televisions, magazines, games, etc., to accompany the patients as they wait.

When their name is called, they will wait in the examination room for their test to be done. In our clinic, we will provide our patients with CAT (CT) scans (Computerized Axial Technology) used like an X-Ray to take images at certain views and angles of the patient. Our Matrix Medical Clinic also provides an X-Ray examination room where different types of X-Rays can be done. X-Ray takes images in the body to determine how the body is being functioned for example a broken bone can be determined through an X-Ray image. Another type of technology used in the medical clinic is a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine. This machine was previously known is NMR which is Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, but because of the term “nuclear”, it was then changed. Lastly, we have an examination room with a PET scanner. The PET scanner takes images of the brain’s function and activity.

After the tests are done, the patient will then wait in the waiting room until the doctor is ready to speak with them in the consult room. The consult room will allow for the doctor to speak with the patient on the results and what needs to be done from that point onwards.

The design of the medical clinic should be simple for the patients to easily access the different types of examination rooms, and for the tests to be done as quick and efficiently as possible.

MATRIX MEDICAL CLINCThe exam rooms are next to each other, each room with a different purpose and technologies. There are two consult rooms so that the physicians and doctors are able to speak with the patients after. There is also a doctor’s office where the doctor’s supply and information is there. The supply room is where any equipment can be found inside the reception area where the nurses are. There is also a large waiting room where the patients can wait for their turn.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What Is It?The magnetic resonance imaging is a piece of technology that has allowed for certain scans and tests to be produced. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a magnetic field and resonance of atoms to create images of the human body. The beginning of the MRI was first developed through NMR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Scientists began to study and develop theories of how visible and ultraviolet light would enhance the structure of atoms in the human body. Scientists began to experiment with the atomic nucleus by placing it in a large magnetic field. This resulted in waves absorbed and emitted by the atomic nuclei which demonstrated the properties of the nucleus. When scientists in 1971 discovered that different types of tissues in the magnetic field would send off certain magnetic signals, they began to research and experiment. They were later able to determine which tissue cells were normal and cancerous through the NMR. Later on, this technology of the NMR was developed to the MRI with the first magnetic resonance image was created with computer calculations and known NMR data.

How does it Work?In order to understand how an MRI device works, you must understand the concept of magnets and their magnetic field. A magnet can temporarily magnetize another object that is ferromagnetic. This is because the ferromagnetic material has dipoles or magnetic domains that line up when a magnet rubs against the material, causing a temporary magnet. Much like this theory, our body is made up of dipoles. The human body has protons which make up the

hydrogen atom. These protons are fundamental in the composure of an atom and the imaging of magnetic resonance. The protons act like tiny magnetic dipoles that are dispersed randomly. Because our body is composed by a large quantity of water, about 66% of our total body weight, there are many hydrogen atoms. Within the strong magnetic field given off by the MRI device, the dipoles in the hydrogen become aligned. The MRI gives off a burst of radio

frequency, electromagnetic radiation. Because the dipoles are repelled by the magnetic field, they deflect and then the dipoles rotate and they create circles in the magnetic field. The rotation of the dipoles of the hydrogen atoms emit a signal that can be detected and converted to an image with the computer technology. The image is created and the dipoles return to its original state.

By detecting the deflections of the hydrogen atoms due to the magnetic fields and the radio waves, the changes in the deflection paths allows for doctors to determine changes in the structure of the body.

Physics of the MRIThe physics behind the MRI is based on resonance and radiofrequency waves. Because the hydrogen atoms have dipoles within them, they are able to align and act as magnets. The atoms are then deflected and rotated when there is a radiofrequency signal sent. The hydrogen atoms resonate, which means that they vibrate to the natural frequency and are then emitting radiofrequency signals. The MRI device picks up the signals and processes it through the computer to create an image. The MRI is used to create images by converting the pathological change in the hydrogen atoms found in the human body when there is a burst of radio waves. MRI technology is commonly used in sports medicine for bone structure and muscular skeletal imaging. It is used in many athletes to show the structural and functional changes in the athlete’s body in certain injuries and fractures. MRI machines are very important in converting the atoms to an image of the brain. This is because the brain is composed of many distinct tissues that give off certain signals to distinguish whether or not the brain has healthy tissue or wounds. Also, MRI scan can detect certain diseases throughout the body. The MRI is able to determine head or brain trauma with regards to bleeding or swelling and tumours.

Cost of MRI Machine and ScansThe cost for purchasing an MRI ranges between $1 million to $3 million. Depending on the strength of the MRI and the efficiency of the machine with more detailed images, the cost of the machine increases. The costs of the exams are also based on the severity of the exams and the type of scans needed.

The cost of the MRI scan costs around $750 as its lowest price. The price increases for certain parts of the body that needs to be scanned as well as the intensity and details for the certain scans.

When to Use for Greatest BenefitAn MRI is absolutely necessary because other scans may not show certain information, but the results are abnormal. For example, Andrew Barreto, a neurologist in the University of Texas states that a CT scan did not identify when a patient began a stroke, but an MRI could. When doctors need to prescribe a prescription or further tests for the patient without knowing for certain the cause or the problem with the patient, the doctor will recommend further, more in-depth tests for the patients.

Careers of the MRI FieldThe careers that are related to the MRI are work as an MRI technologist in hospitals, clinic and doctors, neurologists, physicians, which can interpret and analyze the data. Sports medicine also uses MRIs to determine the severity of the injury for athletes. With knowledge and degrees with Applied sciences, the profession with using an MRI also includes a MRI specialist that will operate the technology safely and to care for the patients during the examination process.

CT Scans

What is it?A computed axial tomograph (CAT) scan is used to assemble and convert the data of X-rays transmitted in order to create a computed axial tomgraph. A tomograph is a 2 dimensional image of a 3 dimensional object. A CAT scan is often referred to as CT scan. The CAT scanner is a machine that collects and processes the x ray data and transmits the data to a tomograph which is an image of the area of the body. The CT scan allows for a “cross-section” display to show the part of the body. The CAT scan machine allows for the images to be taken in a circle.

How Does it Work?A CT scan works by having pixels that corresponds with the x-rays cross section. In the CT scan, there is an x-ray tube that rotates around the patient. This is because the scanner can detect and record how much of the patient’s body is absorbing the x rays at every angle. The radiation in the CT scan allows for there to be pixels from the different recordings when the x-ray tube is rotated, allowing for images to be processed.

Physics of the CT ScannerThe MRI can take 3-Dimensional images of the patient because the machine takes 2-dimensional images at different angles and these images are then put back together. In physics, the motion of putting back the images from different angles is called reconstruction. The patient lies on the table of the CT scanner and then moves into the “donut” shaped machine where the x-ray beams can pass through the patient. Because the CT scanner is circular, it allows for the x-ray beams to pass through at different angles and allows for 3-dimensionall images to be created. The CT scan takes more than a hundred x-ray images from all angles. The data collected is separated into different “slices” which means that there will be many “slices” of the patient on the CT image. The images are reconstructed and a CT image is created.

How is it Used?A CT scan works because the x-rays travel through the body where the rays are absorbed or weakened. Depending on the level at which they are absorbed or attenuated, the x-ray beams of different strengths create a profile. With this profile, an image is created on film. Inside of the CT scanner is a rotating x-ray tube by taking frame shots during the 360 rotation. The shots are called profiles of the weakened x-ray beam. With the profiles taken by the x-ray beam, approximately 1,000 profiles, it is then divided and transferred to a computer where the image is reconstructed. This is the idea of back projection.

The CT scan is used because the x-rays, a form of radiation, pass through the body. By passing through the body at different parts, different body parts react to the x-rays differently. There is a rush of radiation which goes through the body and images are then recorded. The examination table moves in and out while the x-ray beam rotates in order to measure the amount of x-ray beams absorbed by the body. The technique of helical or spiral CT is where the computer creates two-dimensional cross-sectional images. The images are “slices” of the body, and when they are reconstructed, they are very detailed.

When to Use for Greatest BenefitThe CT scan technology allows for screening in the soft tissue structures that include the liver, lung tissue, and fat. The CT scan can also be used in detecting the size and location of lesions, tumours, and metastasis. Radiotherapy for cancer treatment relies on the CT images for planning. With regards to cancer, the CT scan is often used to determine the effectiveness of the treatment by determining the size of the tumour. Doctors would recommend a CT scan test for trauma patients. This is because it allows for fast results that could help treat patients with life-threatening symptoms. Health care systems can use these technologies because it is one of the most preferred methods used to detect cancer.

Cost of MRI Machine and ScansThe cost for purchasing a CT scan ranges depending on the brand of the system. It ranges from as low as $140,000 to $300,000 to own a CT scan machine. The cost for a CT scan can range from $600-$3000. A full body CT scan is expensive and is recommended only to be done if necessary. The cost of a CT scan for the Brain could cost $895, where the arthrograms scans which include shoulders, hips and knees could cost $1275.

Careers of the CT Scanning FieldThe careers related to the physics of CT scans are radiologists, physicists, computer programmers, engineers, and technicians. There are also fields in which professionals work such as the medical imaging, radiation oncology, and medical health physics departments.

X-Rays

What is it?An x-ray machine can take images with regards to broken bones and different normalities in the body. The x-ray is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that consists of radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, and ultraviolet rays. An x-ray machine examines a patient by placing the patient between the x-ray source and the x-ray image recorder. When the x-rays pass through the patient’s body, the different tissues of the body give off certain colours of the x-ray films.

Physics of the X-RaysAn x-ray machine creates wavelengths that are 1/100,000,000 meters long. These waves are able to pass through the body to create photographic film. The x-ray beams are created by penetrating on the voltage sent into the x-ray machine. The x-ray beams are able to pass through the human body to create an image of the body that is being exposed. The x-rays will penetrate through different tissues in the body. The x-rays are the forms of wave that carry electromagnetic energy. The energy of the x-ray is because of its wavelength. The x-rays have photons which are created by electrons moving in the atoms. The x-ray beams have a large

amount of energy that allows for the x-ray photons to pass through the atoms of the body. The x-ray machine is shielded with a lead shield that prevents x-ray beams from escaping. There is a small opening that will allow for the beam to pass through to the patient when needed. At the back of the patient, there is an x-ray image recording that records the pattern at which the x-ray beams pass through to the patient’s body.

What Situations is it Used For?The x-ray machine is used where the patient does not need great detail of the soft tissues of the body. Most x-rays are done for the skeletal structure of the body. X-rays are also used for cancer treatment. Radiation therapy can use x-rays to treat cancer patients. X-rays can be used for dermatology that can treat skin disorders. Another part that the x-ray can use for treating cancer patients is that it can kill cancer cells so they are unable to spread. Although the

x-ray radiation can try to treat the cancer cells by killing them, it is possible to for the x-ray beams to harm other healthy cells as well. X-rays are used to see through the human body such as bones as well as softer tissue.

Cost of X-Ray Machine and Scans The cost of the x-ray machine is about $140,000.00 that can do radiographic studies and has a high powered x-ray tube. The cost of x-rays could range about $150- $200, for a simple ankle x- ray. The costs of x-rays increase based on the body part and how many scans need to be taken.

When to Use for Greatest BenefitThe doctors would recommend the x-rays for patients depending on what they need the x-rays for. For instance, a doctor would recommend a simple x-ray to determine whether or not an ankle is broken, fractured, or just sprained. The x-rays used to photograph bones or organs use soft x-rays. The doctors may also ask the patients to do x-rays for radiotherapy. With radiotherapy, there are hard x-rays that are meant to kill the cancer cells so it does not spread.

Careers in X-Ray Scanning FieldsThe careers related to the physics of x-rays are radiological technologists, providing care to patients in hospitals, and educating future medical professional.

Positron Emission Tomography

What is it?The positron emission tomography (PET) is a technology device used to scan amounts of the brain. The PET is used to determine how the brain is functioning such as the blood flow, the brain tissue, and the amount of oxygen consumed. The PET machine can monitor the brain activity with patients of certain diseases and disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Also, the PET machine is able to determine whether a patient is diagnosed with cancer.

Physics of the PETThe PET scan works by having radioactive atoms that that release particles when they decay. When the atom decays, the positively charged positron hits the electrons that are negatively charged. The oppositely charged particles will then be destroyed where two photons that are light particles will be emitted. When these photons are created, they will then separate and move in opposite directions. The PET scanner is able to detect the photon’s movement and is then converted to a three-dimensional cross-sectional image. The data of the radiolabeled compound is the recorded through the PET scanner. The x-rays are the forms of wave that carry electromagnetic energy. The energy of the x-ray is because of its wavelength. The x-rays have photons which are created by electrons moving in the atoms. The x-ray beams have a large amount of energy that allows for the x-ray photons to pass through the atoms of the body. The x-ray machine is shielded with a lead shield that prevents x-ray beams from escaping. There is a small opening that will allow for the beam to pass through to the patient when needed. At the back of the patient, there is an x-ray image recording that records the pattern at which the x-ray beams pass through to the patient’s body.

When to Use for Greatest BenefitThe PET machine is used to study how the brain functions and certain diseases or disorders. The PET machines are able to study the brain after a stroke, with Alzheimer disease, depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. The PET machine is also able to determine whether or not the treatments for cancer are working. The PET scan does tests to determine how the therapy is working. Doctors would recommend a PET scan test for trauma patients. This is because it allows for fast results that could help treat patients with life-threatening symptoms.

Cost of PET Machines and TestsThe cost of the PET machine costs about $1 million to $2.5million. The cost of this machine is much greater than the cost of a CT scan or x-ray machine. The cost to use a PET machine costs about $3000 per test.

Career in PET Scanning FieldingThe careers related to the physics of PET machines are neuroscientists, nuclear medicine technologist, radiation safety, and technical specializations on PET.

Designing A Medical Clinic- ConclusionIn order to successfully design a medical clinic that would provide patients with all the

types of examinations that they need, our Matrix Medical Clinic will include different examination rooms. Our examination rooms will contain x-ray machines, CT scans, PET scanner, and an MRI. The four types of medical clinic technologies will give patients a variety of tests that they can perform depending on their situation as well as the price range.

For example, a doctor may recommend an x-ray test for a patient who has an ache in their ankle rather than an MRI test. The x-ray tests are less expensive and can produce better results for the certain disorders rather than using a MRI scan. In a situation where

For our MRI medical examination room, the doctor would recommend tests regarding problems with vertebrae or intervertebral discs of the patient’s spine. A MRI is much more costly than an MRI, and if it is not necessary, doctors would not recommend an MRI. In the American Academy of Neurology, doctors are advised to use an MRI scan to diagnose stroke because it allows for a more detailed images on the brain tissue. In a study shown, it was stated that the strokes were determined by an MRI scan 83% of the time and a CT scan only detected 26% of the time.

A doctor may recommend the use of a CT scan for a chest and abdomen because it allows for cross-sectional views of the tissue. Also, the doctor will ask the patient to have a CT scan to see if the patient is diagnosed with cancer. The CT scan allows for the physician to determine where the tumours are and how big they are. The doctor would not ask for patients to do examinations for tumours in the lungs or pancreas, rather it would be used plan and monitor radiation treatments. The doctor would recommend a CT scan for certain parts of the body where it is necessary because the cost of the CT scans will increase based on the number of body parts scanned.

A doctor will most likely ask a patient to use a PET scan to diagnose the certain types of cancer and how they have spread. A PET scan is very expensive so if it is not necessary, the doctor would not recommend the use. A PET scan will be used to determine the stage and severity of how the cancer has spread. Also, the PET scan will be able to monitor the brain functions and different heart disorders.

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