Will a radiographer tell you if something is wrong?

“They aren't doctors, and while they do know how to get around your anatomy, they aren't qualified to diagnose you.” That is true even though the tech likely knows the answer to your question. Imaging techs administer thousands of scans a year.

Can a radiologist tell you if you have cancer?

Imaging tests can find large groups of cancer cells, but no imaging test can show a single cancer cell or even a few. In fact, it takes millions of cells to make a tumor big enough to show up on an imaging test. This is why treatment may continue even when cancer cells can no longer be seen on an imaging test.

Can radiologist discuss results?

Once the report is complete, the radiologist signs it, and sends the report to your physician. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you. Sometimes, you may have questions about your report that your physician cannot answer. If so, talk to your facility's imaging staff.

What can radiographers see?

Diagnostic imaging often focuses on specific areas of treatment, such as mammography, computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, and bone densitometry. Radiographers can also specialize in: Angiography (imaging of blood vessels and the heart)

Do radiographers diagnose?

Using the latest imaging technology, diagnostic radiographers take high-quality images of the inside of the body. These images are used to diagnose and monitor illnesses or injuries, so patients receive the correct treatment.

Working as a radiographer

Why can't ultrasound techs tell you anything?

“Plenty of patients ask, but techs should not give information and should not even react to what they're seeing on the image,” Edwards said. “They aren't doctors, and while they do know how to get around your anatomy, they aren't qualified to diagnose you.”

Can a radiographer do ultrasound?

Just like radiologists, radiographers can further specialize in certain procedures, such as ultrasounds or mammograms.

Do radiographers interpret images?

Diagnostic radiographers make first line interpretation of images in support of patient management and, following approved postgraduate training, provide definitive reports for a wide range of examinations.

Should radiologists talk to patients?

Given patient anxiety when cancer is a possible diagnosis, the authors recommend that radiologists communicate normal or nonmalignant findings immediately. When a malignancy is discovered, radiologists and clinicians should consult as soon as possible so that patients may be told quickly and privately.

How long should you wait for scan results?

Getting your results

You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks. Waiting for results can make you anxious. Ask your doctor or nurse how long it will take to get them. Contact the doctor who arranged the test if you haven't heard anything after a couple of weeks.

Can the ultrasound tech tell if something is wrong?

If your ultrasound is being performed by a technician, the technician most likely will not be allowed to tell you what the results mean. In that case, you will have to wait for your doctor to examine the images. Ultrasounds are used during pregnancy to measure the fetus and rule out or confirm suspected problems.

Can the radiographer tell if a lump is cancerous?

If a mass is detected in your breast, a doctor may order a diagnostic mammogram to test for cancer. Diagnostic mammograms are more in-depth than regular mammograms and take scans of the breast from multiple different angles, or a more zoomed-in scan of the breast where a lump is found.

Can a radiologist tell if you have cancer from an ultrasound?

Ultrasound images are not as detailed as those from CT or MRI scans. Ultrasound cannot tell whether a tumor is cancer. Its use is also limited in some parts of the body because the sound waves can't go through air (such as in the lungs) or through bone.

Can a doctor tell if a tumor is cancerous by looking at it?

Cancer is nearly always diagnosed by an expert who has looked at cell or tissue samples under a microscope. In some cases, tests done on the cells' proteins, DNA, and RNA can help tell doctors if there's cancer. These test results are very important when choosing the best treatment options.

How often do radiologists make mistakes?

Errors and discrepancies in radiology practice are uncomfortably common, with an estimated day-to-day rate of 3–5% of studies reported, and much higher rates reported in many targeted studies.

Do radiologists deal with patients?

Radiologists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who have completed a 4-year residency in radiology. A radiologist may act as a consultant to another doctor who is caring for the patient, or act as the patient's primary doctor in treating a disease.

How long does it take for radiologist to read mammogram?

However, it usually takes a day or two for the radiologist to look at the images and then another couple of days for the radiologist's dictation to be typed. This means your primary care doctor often has the results back 3 to 4 days after your mammogram.

What is image interpretation in radiography?

The most significant objective to effective radiographic image interpretation is to achieve the highest radiographic sensitivity possible. This means being able to clearly observe the smallest change in the object being radiographed.

How do you read a radiograph?

What is image quality assessment radiology?

The quality of a radiographic image influences diagnostic accuracy and subsequent clinical management of the patient [1]. A radiographic image is accepted as good quality when certain technical qualities are satisfied, and the image considered of diagnostic value [2].

Why would you see a radiologist?

In most cases, your primary care physician will refer you to a radiologist when a diagnostic imaging test is needed. Your doctor may need more information in order to diagnose or rule out certain conditions. It can also be used to determine the progress that's being made in a disease that's already been diagnosed.

What is the difference between radiography and ultrasound?

Radiology involves the use of a number of different types of technology including those that involve radiation such as CT scans and MRIs. Sonographers utilize ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves to create images of inside the body. Sonography does not involve the use of radiation.

What is difference between radiology and radiography?

And, while each career path deals with issues regarding patient diagnostics and testing, radiologists are generally doctors trained to read and interpret imaging scans, while radiographers are medical technicians who perform diagnostics imaging tests. Radiologists usually do not perform the imaging tests.

Will a sonographer tell me my results?

You may be told the results of your scan soon after it's been carried out, but in most cases the images will need to be analysed and a report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan. They'll discuss the results with you a few days later or at your next appointment, if one's been arranged.

How long does it take for a radiologist to read an ultrasound?

How long will it take for my doctor to receive the results of my ultrasound exam? One of our board-certified radiologists will review and interpret your ultrasound results immediately. Your doctor will receive a written report and hardcopy images within 24 hours.