Who performs the MRI and CT scan?

11-07-2017

During the MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (Computed tomography) test our patients meet the radiology assistant (also known as CT-MRI specialist, operator, technician and imaging diagnostic analyzer).

The CT-MRI operator – as we call them at Medicover – is an expert, who prepares the patient for the diagnostic examination, makes interpretable images during the diagnostic procedure, and archives the finished images of the examined part of the body.

What are the tasks of the CT-MRI operator?

Informing the patient about the examination

Before the scan, the assistant tells the details of the examination to the patient. The technician explains how should the patient behave to get the best image quality and assures him/her that the test is painless.

Giving instructions to the patient

It is essential for patients to be aware of their own role in order to get a sharp, analyzable image of their scanned body part. In case of the CT and MRI examinations, it is very important to keep the body position (not to move) and follow the instructions of the operator.

Giving the contrast agent to the patient if necessary

The specialist is also responsible for giving the contrast agent to the patient when necessary. There are different types of contrast agent that can be used. Some are given by injection into a vein, others are swallowed. The injection can be given during the exam, but it can be also an immediate action in one half of the test.

Creating an image of the examined body part

During the exam, the operator takes a good look at the images. In case of detecting a lesion in the body, the technician selects the appropriate image creating method. The main aim is to get as much information as possible about the behavior of the lesion.

Saving and archiving images

The finished images are archived by the operator, who put the images on a CD, and passes it to the patient after the exam. It is important to note that the images on the CD are suitable for home viewing, but cannot be used for diagnosis. This is due to the fact, that in the imaging diagnostic tests the pictures are interpreted by a special, high resolution monitor.