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Glossary

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan:  A non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses X-ray to collect and process images into a two-dimensional cross-section view of a patient.

Contrast Agent: A compound used to highlight different organs or tissues in the body.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A non-invasive method of diagnostic imaging that uses a magnetic field to create an image of a patient.

Molecular Imaging Probe: A special class of pharmaceutical used in conjunction with medical imaging scanners, such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and nuclear imaging cameras, allowing health care practitioners to see disease and injuries in a non-invasive way.

Nuclear Medicine: Nuclear medicine is a medical speciality that use pharmaceuticals that have been labeled with radionuclides (radiopharmaceuticals). In diagnosis, radioactive substances are administered to patients and the radiation emitted is detected. The diagnostic tests involve the formation of an image using a gamma camera or positron emission tomography (PET) scanner. Imaging may also be referred to as radionuclide imaging or nuclear scintigraphy.

Positron Emitting Tomography (PET): A non-invasive nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging technique used in conjunction with molecular imaging probes to produce a multi-dimensional picture of a patient. The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a probe carying a positron-emitting isotope. Most often, PET scans are used in conjunction with other imaging techniques, such as a CT scanner.

Probe: See Molecular Imaging Probe

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT): A nuclear medicine imaging technique that detects the distribution of a probe labelled with an isotope that emitts gama rays. Often, SPECT scans are used in conjunction with other imaging techniques, such as a CT.

Ultrasonography, Ultrasound: A non-invasive method using ultrasonic waves to produce a diagnostic image of a patient.