CT vs. MRI: Key Differences and When to Use Each for Health Checks
Computed Tomography (CT) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Dr. Chang, I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. What are the differences in functionality between Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)? Which areas or conditions are more suitable fo...
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Hello Rich: Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays, which raises concerns about radiation exposure. On the other hand, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides better resolution for soft tissues and does not involve radiation, making it primarily used for examinations of the brain...[Read More] CT vs. MRI: Key Differences and When to Use Each for Health Checks
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Myocardial Perfusion Scans
Myocardial perfusion imaging Doctor, I just had a myocardial perfusion scan, and I found online that the radiation dose from a single scan can be as high as 21 millisieverts. Is that true? Isn't that terrifyingly high? A single chest X-ray is only about 0.02 millisieverts, s...
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Hello Johnny: Myocardial perfusion imaging is a commonly used tool by clinicians to assess coronary artery function. It is a routine, safe, and accurate examination. The dose of Thallium-201 received by the patient is very small, with almost no impact on the body, typically aroun...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Myocardial Perfusion Scans
Impact of X-rays on Fertility: What You Need to Know Before Pregnancy
X-rays and Pregnancy Hello doctor, I had a chest X-ray today (without a lead apron for the abdomen). If I am planning to get pregnant, will the X-ray negatively affect the sperm? How long should I wait before trying to conceive? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Hello Mr. Mu: Germ cells are very sensitive to X-rays. If their DNA is damaged, they will mostly undergo natural apoptosis. Generally, the lifespan of sperm is about 70 hours (approximately three days). If you are concerned, please wait at least three days, as new sperm will be p...[Read More] Impact of X-rays on Fertility: What You Need to Know Before Pregnancy
Understanding PET Scans: Availability, Process, and Costs
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Does this hospital offer positron emission tomography (PET) scans? If so, could you please provide information on the examination process and the associated costs? Thank you!
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Hello: Our hospital does not have positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Thank you! Hsinchu Hospital wishes you health and safety![Read More] Understanding PET Scans: Availability, Process, and Costs
Do You Need Contrast for a Brain CT Scan? Costs and Consent Explained
Regarding brain computed tomography (CT)? Do I need to inject a contrast agent for a brain CT scan? Is it possible to do it without the injection? How much would it cost if I pay out of pocket? If I don't use the injection, do I still need to sign a waiver? Thank you, doctor...
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Hello: 1. The injection of contrast agents can assist physicians in interpreting images and improve diagnostic accuracy. It is generally recommended that the examinee be able to receive the injection, unless there are other contraindications or indications for non-administration....[Read More] Do You Need Contrast for a Brain CT Scan? Costs and Consent Explained
Can I Get an MRI While Undergoing Dental Braces After Brain Tumor?
About MRI Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. I had a malignant brain tumor five years ago, and it has not recurred. I am currently considering orthodontic treatment, but I need to undergo regular brain MRIs. Can I have orthodontic treatment while still being a...
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Hello Mr. Johnny: If you undergo orthodontic treatment that does not involve the implantation or placement of metallic braces, it is generally unrelated to MRI. Only metallic materials are affected by the magnetic field of an MRI. Additionally, since metal dentures are fixed to t...[Read More] Can I Get an MRI While Undergoing Dental Braces After Brain Tumor?
Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Nuclear Cardiac Scans
Nuclear Medicine Cardiac Scintigraphy Thank you, doctor, for your detailed response. During today's follow-up visit, the cardiologist not only performed a chest X-ray but also arranged for a nuclear medicine cardiac scan, which seems to require drinking a thallium-201 contra...
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Hung, Myocardial perfusion imaging is a diagnostic test that utilizes a very small amount of radioactive tracer, commonly thallium-201, to assess blood flow to the heart muscle. Once thallium-201 is injected into the bloodstream, it travels through the coronary ar...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Nuclear Cardiac Scans
How Often Can You Safely Get X-Rays? Understanding Risks and Concerns
How often can X-rays be taken? Hello, doctor. Last year, I had hematuria and underwent an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where I had over ten abdominal X-rays taken. This year, due to a cough, I would like to see a pulmonologist, but I may nee...
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Hung, According to the literature, the radiation dose received from a round-trip flight between Taipei and Sydney is 0.05 millisieverts (mSv). The natural background radiation dose received from living in Taiwan for one year is 2.0 mSv. In terms of effective dose ...[Read More] How Often Can You Safely Get X-Rays? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding X-Ray Safety: Addressing Concerns After Imaging
After the X-ray examination? Hello Dr. Chang: I had an X-ray taken of my left knee due to an injury from a fall, but afterward I felt a bit dizzy. Am I being "radiated" inappropriately, meaning was I exposed to radiation in areas that shouldn't have been imaged? Th...
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jie: The path of X-rays travels in a straight line, so theoretically, the radiation dose to other parts of the body, aside from the directly exposed area, is negligible. There is no need to worry. Additionally, during an X-ray examination, you typically should not fee...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Safety: Addressing Concerns After Imaging
Comparing 1.5T MRA and 64-Slice CTA for Head and Neck Vascular Imaging
Non-invasive examinations of the head and neck? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask which imaging modality has better resolution for vascular structures in the head and neck: a 1.5T MRA (with contrast) or a 64-slice CTA? Thank you!
Dr. Zhang Fudi Reply:
Hello, A-Qin: The new generation of 64-slice CTA has a faster speed and better resolution in vascular structures, but it has the drawback of low-dose radiation, whereas MRA does not. I hope this information is helpful to you. Thank you for your question! Wishing you safety! Since...[Read More] Comparing 1.5T MRA and 64-Slice CTA for Head and Neck Vascular Imaging
Can You Have an MRI with Metal Implants After Spine Surgery?
excuse me? Can I undergo an MRI scan if I have metal implants in my body? I had spinal stabilization surgery last December, and I'm concerned whether the internal fixation will prevent me from having an MRI. I appreciate your guidance on this matter. Thank you.
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Godzilla, I apologize for the delayed response due to my busy schedule. Regarding your question, "Can I undergo an MRI if I have metal in my body? I had spinal stabilization surgery last December, and I'm unsure if the internal fixation will prevent me from having ...[Read More] Can You Have an MRI with Metal Implants After Spine Surgery?
What Contrast Agents Are Used for Myocardial Infarction Imaging?
The contrast agent used for myocardial infarction injections is typically a type of iodine-based contrast medium? The contrast agent used for MDCT (Multi-Detector Computed Tomography) scans in cases of myocardial infarction is typically iodinated contrast media. For coronary angi...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Lan, I apologize for the delayed response due to my travels and busy schedule. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. Both MDCT scans and cardiac catheterization primarily use non-ionic contrast media, such as Ultravist, among others. 2. For diagnostic purposes, the a...[Read More] What Contrast Agents Are Used for Myocardial Infarction Imaging?
Radiation Exposure in Upper Gastrointestinal Imaging: What You Need to Know
Regarding the radiation dose in upper gastrointestinal (GI) imaging? Hello Dr. Wu, My wife and I underwent a health checkup at the health examination center on April 11. The day before, we checked for pregnancy using a home pregnancy test, which came back negative. However, we ...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Hello MIRO users, according to literature reports, when pregnant women are exposed to radiation with a cumulative dose of less than 50 millisieverts (for example, a chest X-ray typically has a dose of about 0.2 millisieverts), the risks of congenital anomalies, growth retardation...[Read More] Radiation Exposure in Upper Gastrointestinal Imaging: What You Need to Know
Impact of a 5-Cent Coin on MRI Results: What You Need to Know
Having a 5-dollar coin in your pocket during an MRI scan can potentially affect the results. The presence of metal objects can create artifacts in the images, which may obscure or distort the area being examined. It is generally advised to remove all metallic items before undergo...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Cindy: Your question is answered as follows: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) utilizes a powerful magnet, which is housed in a tunnel approximately 50 to 60 centimeters wide and over 1 meter long. In simple terms, it is a large and heavy magnet that emits a magnetic field te...[Read More] Impact of a 5-Cent Coin on MRI Results: What You Need to Know
Comprehensive Health Checkups: Early Cancer Detection and Costs Explained
Comprehensive health check-up? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a type of health checkup, similar to a cave, that can detect cancer and systemic diseases early. What is the name of this ultra-precise examination? What are the costs for men and women respectively? How far i...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Hello, the type of ultra-precise examination you are referring to, which can detect cancer and systemic diseases early, is likely Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for self-paid examinations. Some hospitals charge according to the National Health Insurance standards, while others ...[Read More] Comprehensive Health Checkups: Early Cancer Detection and Costs Explained
Can I Copy My MRI CDs for Use at Chang Gung Hospital?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Hello, doctor. I have undergone two MRI scans of my lumbar and cervical spine. Can I get copies of the CDs? I would like to take them to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Will their system be able to use them? Also, the lumbar scan was done six months...
Dr. Xie Cangtai Reply:
Mr. Wei: Hello, your questions are briefly answered as follows: 1. Your MRI scans of the lumbar and cervical regions can be copied onto a CD (which includes viewing software) and can be read on any hospital computer. 2. The patient's MRI examination data is preserved and can...[Read More] Can I Copy My MRI CDs for Use at Chang Gung Hospital?
Understanding Radiation Exposure from CT Scans and PET Imaging: Risks and Safety
The radiation dose from a computed tomography (CT) scan? Hello, I saw a message the other day stating that 1. One PET scan is equivalent to 100 mammograms. 2. The cancer risk from one full-body CT scan is 1 in 1,000. Since I underwent the following procedures last month within a ...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear cf user: Hello, regarding your question, here is a comprehensive response: 1. Will undergoing multiple tests in a short period increase cancer risk? The answer is no; the likelihood of increased cancer risk is almost negligible. The effects of radiation on the human body a...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from CT Scans and PET Imaging: Risks and Safety
Understanding Bone Scans: Assessing Pain and Cancer Metastasis Risks
BONE SCAN Hello Director Wu, I would like to ask about my mother's sudden shoulder pain. After X-ray and MRI examinations, the doctor found abnormalities and inquired about the possibility of a biopsy. Since my mother is due for a routine follow-up for her breast cancer and ...
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Xiaohui, First, I would like to clarify that I am a radiologist, not a nuclear medicine physician. I will answer your questions based on my knowledge: Generally speaking, various malignant tumors can spread to the bones through the bloodstream, with lung cancer, breast ca...[Read More] Understanding Bone Scans: Assessing Pain and Cancer Metastasis Risks
Understanding Ga-67 Tumor Scans: Risks, Radiation Exposure, and Safety Concerns
Ga-67 tumor scan Is there any potential side effect from undergoing a Ga-67 tumor scan, such as infertility? Additionally, how significant is the radiation dose during a Ga-67 tumor scan, and will it have any impact on those nearby?
Dr. Wu Bin'an Reply:
Dear Yu, I apologize for the delayed response due to my busy schedule. First, I would like to clarify that I am a radiologist, not a nuclear medicine physician. Based on my knowledge, I would like to answer your question regarding the Ga-67 tumor scan, which is one of the widel...[Read More] Understanding Ga-67 Tumor Scans: Risks, Radiation Exposure, and Safety Concerns
Understanding Contrast Agents: Key Questions and Concerns in Radiology
Contrast agent-related issues? Hello, I would like to ask about a previous health check where I found a trace of blood in my urine. After conducting a urine pathology culture, nothing concerning was found, and X-rays and ultrasounds did not reveal any causes either. Therefore, my...
Dr. Xie Cangtai Reply:
Dear online friend, I understand that you may be troubled about whether to use a contrast agent for your intravenous pyelography. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. If there is hematuria (blood in urine), an intravenous pyelography is a necessary examination unless your...[Read More] Understanding Contrast Agents: Key Questions and Concerns in Radiology
Radiology FAQ
| Contrast Agent | Ct Scan |
| Ct Scan Radiation | Magnetic Resonance Imaging |
| Mri | Mri Report |
| Radiation | Radiological Examination |
| X-Ray | X-Ray Examination |
| X-Ray Radiation |