Abstract
This paper discusses the use of radio-diagnostic imagery instead of the more standard form of autopsy in forensic medicine. The paper examines the pros and cons of using images provided by machinery such as MRIs instead of the information provided by the more invasive autopsy procedure. The paper discusses the accuracy of radio-diagnostic imagery compared with its less technologically advanced counterpart in determining causes of death. The author concludes that while radio-diagnostic imaging can be useful in forensic medicine, it can not yet replace traditional autopsy.

Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Negative Findings in the use of Radio-diagnostic Imaging in Forensic Medicine
Positive Findings in the use of Radio-diagnostic Imaging in Forensic Medicine
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"There has been an increase in the use of MRI in forensics in making a diagnosis when death involved either injury or disease. Stated to be one of the: "main criticisms of the use of MRI as an alternative to conventional autopsy is the lack of validation of this imaging technique." This is due to the mixed results that have been reported related to MRI post mortem examinations in the fields of neuropathology and paediatrics."

Tags:MRI, forensic, medicine, Post, Mortem, Magnetic, Resonance, Imaging

Abstract
The paper shows that diagnostic imaging is a rapidly growing healthcare industry that involves the application of electromagnetic radiation to create images of internal structures of the human body with the goal of providing an accurate diagnosis of the patient's condition. It points out that a common theme in the literature review is the need for an increased receptiveness on the part of all healthcare practitioners, both senior clinicians as well as those in training, to improve interdisciplinary activities, as well as more effective communications and collaboration among the various imaging subspecialties. Regrettably, the same market forces that have driven the rapid growth of diagnostic imaging for the benefit of the healthcare consumer are the same forces that are fueling the growing tendency to use these techniques unnecessarily or for inappropriate purposes. The writer points out, however, that there are a lot of imaging machines out there that are going to require skilled and competent technicians to operate them.
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Diagnostic Imaging Today
Identifying Effective Supervisory Techniques in Support of a Constructive Clinical Learning Experience
Current and Future Trends
Bibliography

From the Paper
" According to Anreson and Carroll, "These external accrediting agencies for specialized services provide a means to legitimate the organization. Internal participants also make legitimacy evaluations that can affect their own levels of involvement and motivation" (p. 36). Just as the Holy Bible points out that "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24, KJV), Anreson and Carroll note that one or another of these internal or external assessments may represent the most important at any given time within certain areas of the organization and different sources of legitimacy may conflict with one another.
A fundamental consideration in this regard concerns the need for changing an organizational component that is not going to be easily changed. According to Amy C. Edmondson's essay, "Framing for Learning: Lessons in Successful Technology Implementation" (2003), "The decision to bring a new, innovative technology into a complex organization is only the first step in an implementation journey. Many new technologies disrupt existing organizational routines and relationships, requiring potential users to re-learn how to work together--a challenge that usually proves more difficult than anticipated" (p. 34). As a result, any type of new technology will cause the subsequent implementation process to take place along a variety of paths that are determined less by the unique qualities of the technology itself than by a complex interaction between the technology and the adopting organization. Edmonson suggests that "Those participating in an implementation effort may have considerable leeway in how to interpret the technology's benefits and challenges, and so the same technology can be seen differently and can elicit different responses, even in organizations that may appear quite similar (p. 35)."

Tags:radiation, images, xrays, technicians, healthcare

Abstract
This paper examines how nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that involves the use of radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. It looks at how positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is used extensively as diagnostic tool in the U.S. and Europe, but has limited availability in the U.K. It shows how the information obtained from these examinations can differentiate between different organs without the need for the patient to undergo surgical procedures. It also examines how, despite the long history of PET development, the costs and effectiveness of its use in routine clinical practice remain unknown. It reviews the relevant literature to determine whether PET imaging should be used more extensively in the U.K. instead of conventional nuclear medicine imaging.

From the Paper
"These researchers report that despite the long history of PET development, the costs and effectiveness of its use in routine clinical practice remain virtually unknown. However, what is known is that the bottom line for these and other advances in medical technology is clinician and patient accessibility. According to Michael Johns, "Physicians who do not have access to or choose not to utilize cutting-edge technologies could potentially limit the care provided to their patients. But for many in the developing world, the cost of new equipment and materials continues to be prohibitive. Even in the West, both public and private insurance agencies take into account the cost of a test or therapy before deciding whether to pay for it? (2001, 132)."

Tags:imaging, isotope, medicine, mri, nuclear, pet, scanning

Abstract
This paper examines diagnostic x-ray imaging quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). It defines QA and QC for diagnostic x-ray imaging and then discusses how this occurs within all areas of a radiology department. Lastly, the paper discusses the growth of quality assurance in pediatric radiology. The paper contains tables and images.

Table of Contents:
Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Assurance (QA)
Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Control (QC)
Radiographic Unit Monitoring
Sensitometery and Darkroom Monitoring
Use of Technique Charts
Analysis of Repeat Rates
Continuing Education
Repeat Analysis
Timer Quality Control in Radiographic Equipment
Collimator Quality Control
Vertical Beam Alignment Quality Control
Collimation
Focal-spot Size
Fluoroscopy Quality Control
Automatic Exposure Systems
Tomography Quality Control
Ensuring QC in Conventional Radiographic Systems
Radiation Safety/QA Program
Test Frequency
Different Types of Tests and Duration
Growth of Quality Assurance in Pediatric Radiology
Exhibits

From the Paper
"The various parameters to be checked under radiography are (i) assessment of the focal spot size which is the surface area of the anode which is bombarded by the electron beam. In case of radiography machine, it ranges from 0.1 to 1.2 mm or more than that. In case of mammo-machines the values are 0.3 to 0.6. The assessment of focal spot size is applied to get a X-ray image having the least blur. Small focal spot are likely to concentrate heat and emits load on focal spot areas. In case the quantity of heat emitted at the time of an individual exposure is more than the track capacity, the anode surface is liable to melt. Besides, the assessment of the focal spot size is necessary to compare it with the original focal spot size with that of the machine. Also spot size of any machine is stated on the top of the X-Ray tube. (Mukhtar, n. d.)"

Tags:radiology, radiation, pediatrics, exposure

Abstract
This paper examines how ultrasound imaging, also known as ultrasound scanning or sonography is the viewing of images of the interior of the body by the use of high-frequency sound waves and how it is useful to visualize various organs of the body as well as the vascular system. It looks at how ultrasound is useful in the imaging department to visualize any pathology in body structures including the head, eyes, neck, heart, breast, abdominal and pelvic organs. It also discusses how in the vascular department, vessels in the head, neck, abdomen and extremities can be visualized for any abnormality. The paper also examines how numerous advances have enhanced the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound ad how these include the use of intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), real-time sonoelastography and microbubble contrast agents. The paper includes pictures of ultrasounds.

Outline:
Introduction
Uses of Ultrasound in the Imaging Department
Uses of Ultrasound in the Vascular Department
Advances in Ultrasound
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Microbubble contrast agents allow the dynamic detection of both the macro and microvasculature tissue flow. The clinical roles of contrast enhanced ultrasound includes: echocardiography (endocardial border detection and myocardial perfusion), radiology (focal disease of the liver), abdominal trauma (rapid assessment of injury to the liver, spleen and kidneys), malignancies (infarcts, ischemia and regions of abnormal vascularity), ovarian carcinomas (detection of neovascularisation), neovascularisation of atheromatous plaques and in aggressive joint inflammation (Cosgrove 2006), renal diseases (complicated cysts, arterial infarction and masses in the collecting system and renal vein), rheumatology (monitoring and optimizing the effectiveness of therapy), early detection of tumor recurrence, lung disease (characterizing non-ventilated tissues and interventional procedures), vascular (arterial stenosis), and detection of sentinel lymph nodes (Weskott 2008.)"

Tags:intensity, focused, ultrasound, (HIFU, sonoelastography, microbubble, contrast, agents

Abstract
This paper describes heart defects, includes statistics, and explains the relation to anatomy, as well as types of diagnostic imaging.

From the Paper
"When doctors make a diagnosis of heart defect they are usually referring to a congenital heart defect or one present from birth. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect affecting ... of every ... newborns. More than ... babies each year are born with congenital heart defects. There are many types of heart defects, ranging from minor to major in significance. The defects may affect either the heart's interior walls or the valves inside it, or they can affect..."

Tags:heart defects, congenital, anatomy, imaging

Abstract
The paper examines pathologies and diagnosis discovered through the use of MRI. According to the paper, research has found that MRI's can be used to diagnose various ailments and illnesses in the body, including the early stages of lung and breast cancer. Such diagnoses could potentially save millions of lives.

Outline:
Introduction
Pathologies and Diagnosis discovered through the use of MRI
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In addition to pancreatic cancer and brain abnormalities MRI's can now be used to detect track inhaled or dissolved gases in the body. According to Kadlecek (2002) methods to examine the localized changes or abnormalities in lung structure and function were difficult to come by. The two most common types of diagnostic tools are spirometry which is the measurement of exhaled air volume and the speed at which it is expelled and the other diagnostic tool is chest x-rays, both conventional x-rays and those performed with CT scans (Kadlecek 2002). However when Helium-3 polarizers, are used in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it can also be used as a diagnostic tool and permit the microscopic examination of lung structure and localized studies of lung function, which were not previously possible (Kadlecek 2002). "

Tags:mutation, carriers, surveillance, hereditary, risk, examination, abnormalities, diagnostic

Abstract
The paper addresses a range of questions concerning problem identification, the roles of the HR department and engineering department in staffing the field engineer positions, how to assess the likely success of candidates, recommendations for developing a pool of quality candidates including recruitment methods, a description of the interview process and other details, as well as other recommendations concerning talent management with respect to the field engineering department.

From the Paper
"The following discussion provides an analysis of the Total Imaging Diagnostic Case Study. Specifically, the current discussion addresses a range of questions concerning problem identification, the roles of the HR department and engineering department in staffing the field engineer positions, how to assess the likely success of candidates, recommendations for developing a pool of quality candidates including recruitment methods, a description of the interview process and other details, as well as other recommendations concerning talent management with respect to the field..."

Tags:hr, recruiting, interviewing

Abstract
The paper discusses how current portable devices are changing imaging diagnostics. The paper focuses on GE's Logiq Book XP Ultrasound System and shows how it fulfills the market need for a relatively low cost, mobile and flexible ultrasound device. The paper looks at its advantages over existing systems and stresses how the GE Logiq Book XP is an important addition to the growing field of portable ultrasound devices.

Outline:
Introduction: The Portable Revolution
GE's Logiq Book XP Ultrasound System
Discussion
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Ultrasound technology bounces acoustic waves off samples, extracting images and data from the reflected signals by using relatively inexpensive electronics that switch between transmitting and receiving (Rollins, 2005). Ultrasound technology exists in a variety of forms from analog to digital, from pulsed to continuous wave, and from 2D to 3D to 4D images. One of the most advanced ultrasound systems is a continuous wave (CW) Doppler ultrasound that colorizes time-controlled images to calculate fluid velocities within the body (Allan, 2006; Tuite, 2005). Unfortunately, ultrasound technology isn't traditionally considered portable. CW Doppler ultrasound devices, in particular, require large computer boards to function (Allan, 2006). The end result is that most ultrasound equipment is large, ungainly, and expensive."

Tags:scans, low, cost, mobile, flexible, CW, Doppler, performance

Abstract
This paper illustrates the current developments in the diagnostic imaging of malignant pleural mesothelioma, an aggressive form of malignancy in the pleura that often leads to death. Because of its gravity, there is a need for an effective imaging tool to help determine the tumor stage and extent, and to predict the prognostic outcomes of a chosen treatment . The author describes the disease and its histologic traits and also discusses past and current practices on diagnostic imaging such as the chest x-ray, computed tomographic scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scan. The potential and limitations of these technologies are also analyzed. This paper includes an annotated bibliography.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
A Look into Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Recent Advances in Medical Imaging in the Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Computed Tomography Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Positron Emission Tomography
Molecular Imaging
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The search for the most efficient, cost-effective imaging modality is still ongoing. Current modalities, CT Scan, MRI, and FDG-PET, have their own limitations as well as their advantages. It is only through research that the medical field may be able to utilize these existing technologies. The importance of early diagnosis through non-invasive means can not be emphasized enough. Because of the aggressive nature of malignant pleural mesothelioma, the use of these current modalities must be utilized as early as possible especially by people who are high risk."

Tags:imaging tools, radiography, neoplastic diseases, diagnostic imaging