On November 8, radiologists, radiographers, radiological technologists and professionals from related fields celebrated the ninth International Day of Radiology (IDoR 2020) all over the world. Dr B Y T Arya, Consultant – Radiology, Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, a lifetime achievement award winner by Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, Karnataka state chapter and distinguished NBE Teacher award of ANBAI Karnataka, spoke with BioSpectrum about the importance of radiology in the current scenario and precautions taken by a radiologist.

What is the importance of radiology in the current scenario?

Globally, the department of radiology known as the department of radiology and imaging nowadays because along with X-rays, other imaging techniques such as MRI and ultrasound are also being used. Most of the patients who come to the hospital require one or more of the imaging techniques to be done. This is because, in the current scenario, treatment is evidence-based and there is a definite need for documentation. Besides, to compare the results of the treatment, a baseline factor is necessary to compare the size, shape, spread, etc. of the pathology pre- and post-treatment. Also, when it comes to COVID-19 testing, RT-PCR or any other serological test may give a false-positive result and, also take more than 24 hours to produce the results. In comparison, imaging technique such as a CT scan yields accurate and immediate results.

What are the precautions taken by a radiologist?

When radiological imaging is being done, necessary precautions are needed to be taken both by the patient and the technician. It becomes very important to follow all the radioactive safety precautions while using radioactive isotopes in imaging and radiation protection precautions while using ionizing radiations (as in X-rays). During MRI and ultrasound, the instructions that have been specified as per government regulations are to be adopted and followed. Additionally, to avoid COVID-19 transmission from one person to another, the required sanitization procedures of equipment and other surfaces and PPE precautions are imperative.

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“Wilhelm Rontgen’s discover of X-Ray was considered as a medical miracle. Indeed it turned out to be a miracle. When a doctor needs to see inside the human body without cutting Radiology shows it”. 

Dr B Y T Arya, Consultant – Radiology, Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road, Bengaluru.