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Molecular and Medical Imaging Systems
 Gamma CameraGamma cameras used in nuclear medicines, produce images of the distribution of radioactive gamma rays. Gamma rays consist of gamma photons that are high energetic photons. Gamma camera use a system that counts gamma photons that are absorbed by a crystal in the camera. This absorption results in a flash of light. There is then photomultiplier tubes that detect the flashes, and a computer constructs and displays two dimensional images of radioactivity present in organs and tissues. Image 2.18 |  Magnetic Resonance (MR) SpectroscopyMagnetic resonance spectroscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic test measuring biochemical changes in the brain, such as diseases affecting the brain, especially the presence of tumors. Magnetic resonance compares the chemical composition of a normal brain tissue with abnormal tumor tissues. MR expands the diagnostic of brain and prostate tumors by adding metabolic data to the morphologic information provided by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Text 1.7 Image 2.19 |  Molecular Ultrasound ImagingMolecular ultrasound imaging is a lower costing imaging technique used to assess biological processes at a molecular level. Patients are more likely to use ultrasound imaging due to the lack of exposure to radioactive radiation. Non-contrast enhanced vascular imaging is based on the Doppler Principle. The Doppler Principle describes the frequency shift of an acoustic wave by its reflection from a moving element. Text 1.8 Image 2.20 |
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 Optical ImagingOptical imaging uses non-ionizing radiation, which reduces patient radiation exposure. Optical imaging uses photon absoprtion to help differentiate among soft tissues, and between native soft tissues and tissue labeled with either endogenous or exogenous contrast media, using their different photon absorption or scattering profiles at different wavelengths. Text 1.10 Image 2.21 |  Positron Emission Tomography (PET)A PET scan measures important body functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use, and sugar (glucose) metabolism, to help doctors evaluate how well organs and tissues are functioning. Text 1.9 Image 2.22 |  SPECTSingle-Photon Emission-Computed Tomography uses radioactive tracers and a scanner to record data that a computer constructs into two- or three-dimensional images. With the use of SPECT doctors can analyze the function of some of your internal organs. A SPECT scan can show how blood flows to your heart or what areas of your brain are more active or less active. Text 1.11,1.12 Image 2.23 |
Capturing the Image of the Future
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