scanning

scanning /scan·ning/ (skan´ing)

1. the act of examining by passing over an area or organ with a sensing device.

2. scanning speech.

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MUGA scanning , multiple gated acquisition scanning equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography.

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scanning

Etymology: L, scandere, to climb

a technique for carefully studying an area, organ, or system of the body by recording and displaying an image of the area. A concentration of a radioactive substance that has an affinity for a specific tissue may be administered intravenously to enhance the image. The liver, brain, and thyroid can be examined, tumors can be located, and function can be evaluated by various scanning techniques. See also specific scanning techniques. scan, n., v.

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scanning,

n a technique and protocol for carefully studying an area, organ, or system of the body by recording and displaying an image of the area using radioactive substances that have affinities for specific tissues.

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scanning

close visual, electronic or radiographical examination of a small area or of different isolated areas of the body.

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radioisotope scanning

production of a two-dimensional record of the gamma rays emitted by a radioactive isotope concentrated in a specific organ or tissue of the body, such as brain, kidney or thyroid gland.

total body scanning

utilization of computed tomography (CT) to examine a cross-section of the entire body. The CT scanner produces an image of tissue density in a complete cross-section of the part of the body being scanned.

For the most part total body scanning does not require the injection of a radiopaque substance, nor is there a need for use of a radioactive material to produce a record of the findings. However, contrast is used in some areas, particularly the skull, as it enhances the image.

The total body scanner is particularly useful in visualizing organs in the retroperitoneal space, for example, the pancreas, liver, spleen and ovaries, the abdominal section of the aorta, and in viewing the spine and skull.

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Patient discussion about scanning.

Q. I am 15 weeks pregnant. I had my NT scan and blood draw today. Iam using my Hubby user name here.I am 15 weeks pregnant. I had my NT scan and blood draw today. I doubt whether I am in a risky state because I read in medical journal that women with certain amount of risk go for second trimester screening and not healthy pregnant women. Is it so? Please clarify?

A. There's something called an integrated sequential screening. You have the NT scan and blood draw in your first trimester, and then go back for an additional blood draw in your second trimester. They then calculate a unified result and present the results in the second trimester. Several other sources mentioned that often a high risk based on the NT scan and the first blood draw will prompt a diagnostic test. Yes, women with low or acceptable risk go on for the second trimester screening.

Q. I get bad headaches had ct scans and m.r.i. even sinus surgery, suffering 2yrs now, dizzness occurs too..

A. If all prior medical investigations turned out normal, and sinus surgery didn't help relieve your symptoms, I would suggest the reason for your headaches is probably migraine attacks, that can cause severe headaches, and no CT scan or MRI can diagnose them. The diagnosis is made clinically, by your doctor. Migraine headaches can be eased by proper medications, before and during an attack. You should consult a neurologist.

Q. I'm worried if she has ADHD. Is there any MRI or brain scan test to diagnoses the problem? My daughter Elba is 15. She regularly goes to school but often forgets to do daily activities. I'm worried if she has ADHD. Is there any MRI or brain scan test to diagnoses the problem?

A. Although in general practice MRI is not carried out to diagnose ADHD, the studies have shown that the ADHD brain has considerably less activity than does a normal brain when MRI's are compared. Stimulant drugs increases the chemical activity level, which decreases the symptoms. I shall suggest you to consult a physician specialized in this area.