Why do radiologists still prefer to use conventional x-ray imaging instead of CT?

Answer 1

Computed tomography or computerized axial tomography scans use x rays to produce precise cross-sectional images of anatomical structures.

It is not the preference. It is the necessary. For example a small fracture in a bone can be seen by x ray only. Similarly for different views of the organs X ray will be sufficient. CT is a very sophisticated invention in which the contrast images can be obtained, which are required for assessing the minute details like killer diseases Cancer etc. So as per the requirement it is done.

Secondly cost is also a factor. a CT scan would cost about 70 - 80 times of a ordinary X ray. Where it is not required it need not be taken.

CT scan facility is not available every where, so for preliminary assessment X ray is preferred. -

Answer 2

First of all I don't know where all these people got their information for their answers. I don't think all radiologists prefer xray to CT. First of all the radiologist is not the one that orders the exams, its the physicians that decide what exam they want. Xrays are cheaper the ct scans, but a ct scan doesnt cost 80 times more than an xray - thats absurd. Also it doesnt take 3 people to do a cat scan - I work in CT by myself everyday. The question is what is the doctor looking for. Are you looking for a broken bone? Then a conventional xray is usually sufficient and costs less. However tiny fractures ARE more visible in CT than conventional xray. If the doctor is suspicious of a lung mass, it will show up on an xray. Then they will order a ct to see the mass more in depth. But why order a ct right away when a mass can be ruled out with a chest xray. The only reason why I could say radiologists would prefer xray is if they are a lazy radiologist, because xrays are alot quicker to read than reading an entire cat scan. I know my radiologist loves ct!

Answer 3

CT is a far more expensive piece of equipment and takes a lot more staff to run. It only takes 1 radiographer to take an X-ray but CT needs usually 2-3 people to run adequately. Also absorbed radiation dose is lower with conventional X-rays. As most diagnostic test's are to look for something or precautionary it would be a waste of resouces to x-ray everyone as it would just give them radiation dose that was not justified. Most people will be perfectly fine and others will only have mild fractures or breaks. There would be no benefit in them having a CT scan done. Also the image quality for something such as a chest x-ray is perfectly adequate in showing pathologies, these then require a further CT or MRI. If all people had a CT done straight away it would be a waste for the people who had nothing wrong with them. It comes down to 2 things, cost and wanting to keep the dose given to patients as low as possible. Radiographers have to justify a procedure and most patients just do not need a CT.

Answer 4

Probably Because it is Cheap and Easy, Many Things Can Be Seen By a Conventional X-Ray, it May Not Be Necessary to Take the Further Step of a CT, a Conventional X-Ray is Also Be Much More Available.

Answer 5

Faster, cheaper, more accessible.

Faster: an X-ray takes 2 minutes.
Cheaper: CAT scans are very expensive machines, and therefore cost more to use.
More accessible: there are more patients needing CAT scans than CAT scan machines. Therefore there is usually a wait to get one done.

In any case, the clinician is usually the one who orders the test, not the radiologist. The radiologist just reads the film after the test is completed.

Answer 6

! week is somewhat tight for a GP to get an X-ray effect back. there are this style of number of tiers those days between the photo being taken and it dealing with the equipment to attain your GP. Many parts now have GP pcs which could get entry to laboratory outcomes direct from health facility pcs, slicing out many midsection men, yet i'm no longer attentive to any similar equipment for X-rays yet, notwithstanding i'm certain it is going to come. 7-10 days is more suitable like par for the direction. maximum good radiologists will telephone the GP if he comes for the period of a significant effect.

Answer 7

Cost, for one. And depending on what is being imaged, a conventional xray may be perfectly adequate.

Answer 8

because it's much less expensive and for most problems gives the needed image.

Answer 9

Plain films are fine for most applications. They're less expensive, easier, quicker, more available, and safer (they use less radiation).