Medical Radiology - Lazar A.P. 2008

Methods of Radiation Diagnostics

The components of diagnostic radiology include: X-ray Diagnostics (or roentgenography), X-ray Computed Tomography, ultrasound diagnostics, Magnetic Resonance imaging, radionuclide diagnostics, and Medical Thermography. In addition, diagnostic radiology encompasses Interventional Radiology, which involves performing therapeutic Procedures under image guidance.

All types of radiation used in medical radiology are divided into two main groups: non-ionizing and ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation differs from ionizing radiation in that, upon interaction with a medium, it does not cause ionization of atoms—meaning they do not break down into oppositely charged particles, or ions.

Non-ionizing radiation includes thermal (infrared) radiation and radiofrequency (magnetic resonance) radiation, which is generated within an object (The Human Body) placed in a stable magnetic field under METABOLISM/18.html">The Influence of high-frequency pulses. Furthermore, non-ionizing radiation includes ultrasound waves, which are elastic mechanical vibrations of a medium.

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Fig. 1. Spectrum of electromagnetic and mechanical vibrations.

1 - radio waves; 2 - infrared radiation; 3 - visible light; 4 - ultraviolet radiation; 5 - X-ray radiation; 6 - gamma radiation.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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