Computer Roles in Medical Diagnosis

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Computer Roles in Medical Diagnosis

• By Adam Lewis

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Current Technologies

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Produces 3D image of subject using radio wave
  transmitters and antennas
• Computed Tomography
• Generates cross-cut of subject through the use of
  radioactive particles

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Current Technologies Cont

• Ultrasound
• Uses high-frequency sound waves to provide
  real-time imagery for
• Organ examinations
• Obstetrics

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Current Technologies Cont

• Computer Assisted Medical Diagnosis software
• Databases with thousands of diseases and
  illnesses along with their symptoms
• Allow doctors to diagnose ailments outside their
  realm of expertise
• Operates like the game 20 questions and returns
  suspected conditions

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Emerging Technologies

• Genetic Testing
• Mapping genome in attempt to discern certain
  genetic diseases
• Nano-Medicine
• Microscopic particles that can be injected into
  the human body
• Early detection of diseases (i.e. cancer)
• Monitor enzyme and hormone levels

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Important Questions

• Would you feel confident being diagnosed by a
  computer?
• Will doctors feel confident enough to sign-off on
  the diagnosis?
• Who should be held responsible for a
  misdiagnosis?
• Would there ever come a time where doctors will
  no longer be needed?

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Sources

• http//www.listen-up.org/med/ct_mri.htm
• http//www.radiologyinfo.org
• http//www.nsti.org/Nanotech2006/symposia/Nano_Med
  icine.html