Radiology Services

Newspaper Column

Question: After I got an ultrasound last week, I asked when the report would be given to my doctor. The Technologist said the Radiologist would read the study and fax it to him later in the day. What’s the difference between the Radiologist and Technologist?

Answer: That’s a very fitting question, considering the week of November 7 is “Radiologic Technologist Week”. The Technologists working in the Radiology Department have duties and responsibilities far in excess of what most people can imagine.

Not only must they know how to operate all kinds of diagnostic machinery, they must know anatomy, physiology, patient care, patient safety, medical terminology and Federal and State regulations pertaining to patient information and confidentiality. They must be able to conduct themselves in a dignified manner no matter what circumstances in which they must perform. They must be respectful and helpful to the patients and their families, and still “get the job done”, sometimes under very stressful and difficult circumstances. They must observe infection control procedures to avoid cross-contaminating patients and their co-workers when there are body fluids or waste material that must be dealt with. Not always a pretty picture, but whatever the task in the Radiology Department… it gets done.

The Radiologic Technologist has gone on after high-school to get an Associate Science degree in Radiologic Science, gone through a prescribed clinical training schedule working in a hospital or clinic, and has taken special board examinations to qualify as a “Registered Technologist”. That allows them to perform examinations exposing patients to radiation under strict guidelines to minimize z-ray exposure. Most states have passed laws requiring some kind of minimum training or experience to operate x-ray machines. Those who have passed the tests for Registered Technologist have qualified for those State requirements as well.

Some of the Technologists have additional skills which they have gained by a combination of training and experience as well as additional study and testing.

Ultrasound Technologists operate very technical equipment requiring s special knowledge of anatomy, allowing them to record images of normal and abnormal anatomy. The “Sonographer” must know how and when to record the pathologic and the normal anatomy according to standard protocols for each body part that your doctor may have required to be studied.

CT (Computerized Tomography) Technologists also operate highly technical equipment which allows body anatomy to be displayed in slice-like anatomic detail. These highly complex machines have been gradually improved to allow visualization of structures of less than a millimeter. The equipment requires knowledgeable operators to get the accurate images, using protocols that have been developed by world-renowned authorities for use in our very own local hospitals. Knowing when to use the appropriate technique and protocols requires a person with concern, attention and knowledge to do the job right.

Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging uses high-powered magnets and radio waves interacting to make body images with superb image detail. The Technologist operating the MR scanner may choose from thousands of different combinations of positioning, surface coils and machine settings to answer diagnostic dilemmas posed by the patient’s complaints. The MR technologist is also responsible for reviewing the patient’s history and symptoms to confirm the protocols to be used are appropriate to give pertinent information in regard to the problems being diagnosed.

The X-ray Technologist that takes your pictures must know how to interact with the clerical and nursing staff to expedite diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Nowadays that can also require a lot of computer knowledge, since our Department (except for mammograms) is completely computerized with all of the images electronically obtained, interpreted and stored.

We just can’t do without these wonderfully skilled people, and would never want to.
Congratulations to all RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS. Keep up the good work.