Radiology vs. Radiography — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 18, 2024
Radiology involves interpreting medical images and administering radiation treatments, while radiography is the technique of producing the images used in medical diagnostics.
Difference Between Radiology and Radiography
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Radiology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases using imaging techniques like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Whereas, radiography refers specifically to the process of creating these images, involving the use of various types of radiation to capture pictures of the inside of the body.
Radiologists are medical doctors who interpret the images produced by radiographic techniques to diagnose illnesses. On the other hand, radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, are the professionals who operate the imaging equipment and perform the procedures that produce these images.
In radiology, the practitioner uses the images obtained via radiography to make medical decisions, including diagnosing conditions, planning treatment, and monitoring progress. Conversely, radiography does not involve interpretation of the images; it strictly deals with their acquisition and quality.
Radiology often requires additional training and certification beyond basic medical education, including residencies and fellowships, emphasizing the interpretation of medical images and patient management. In contrast, radiography requires specialized training in imaging technology and techniques but typically does not extend into direct medical diagnosis or treatment planning.
The scope of radiology extends beyond mere image acquisition, encompassing interventions such as biopsies, injections, and radiation therapy, which are performed under imaging guidance. Whereas radiography focuses primarily on the technical and procedural aspects of obtaining clear and accurate diagnostic images.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Medical specialty focusing on image-based diagnosis and treatment.
Technique and science of producing medical images.
Professionals
Radiologists
Radiographers or Radiologic Technologists
Main Functions
Interpretation of images, patient management, and performing image-guided procedures.
Acquisition of diagnostic images and ensuring their quality.
Educational Requirement
Requires medical degree followed by residency and possibly fellowship.
Requires completion of a radiography program, typically an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
Associated Procedures
May include therapeutic procedures like radiation therapy.
Limited to diagnostic imaging procedures like taking X-rays.
Compare with Definitions
Radiology
A specialty focusing on imaging for children.
Pediatric radiology addresses the unique challenges of imaging young patients safely.
Radiography
Uses digital sensors instead of traditional photographic film.
Digital radiography offers the advantage of immediate image viewing.
Radiology
A subdivision focusing on diagnosing diseases through images.
Diagnostic radiology has vastly improved the accuracy of medical diagnoses.
Radiography
Involves the use of radiation to treat diseases, primarily cancer.
Therapeutic radiography requires precise dosing to avoid damaging healthy tissue.
Radiology
The branch of medicine that uses imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases.
She specializes in radiology, particularly in interpreting MRI scans.
Radiography
Uses X-rays to inspect materials for structural integrity.
Industrial radiography helps in finding flaws in welds without damaging the components.
Radiology
Involves treating cancer and other diseases with radiation therapy.
Radiation oncology requires precise imaging to target tumor cells effectively.
Radiography
The art and science of producing medical images for diagnosis.
Radiography is essential in diagnosing broken bones.
Radiology
Uses imaging to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures.
He performed an interventional radiology procedure to treat the vascular blockage.
Radiography
Specializes in imaging the teeth and jaw.
Dental radiography is crucial for detecting early signs of tooth decay.
Radiology
Radiology is the medical discipline that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases within the bodies of animals and humans. A variety of imaging techniques such as X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine including positron emission tomography (PET), fluoroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to diagnose or treat diseases.
Radiography
Radiography is an imaging technique using X-rays, gamma rays, or similar ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation to view the internal form of an object. Applications of radiography include medical radiography ("diagnostic" and "therapeutic") and industrial radiography.
Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with diagnostic images of anatomic structures made through the use of electromagnetic radiation or sound waves and that treats disease through the use of radioactive compounds. Radiological imaging techniques include x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, and ultrasonograms.
Radiography
The process by which radiographs are made. Also called skiagraphy.
Radiology
The use of radiation for the scientific examination of material structures; radioscopy.
Radiography
The process of making radiographs, and the science of analyzing them
Radiology
(medicine) The specialty of medical imaging and its interpretation, originally and especially radiography#Noun but now including all imaging modalities, including ones that use no radiation#Noun (such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging).
Radiography
Art or process of making radiographs, radiograms, or autoradiograms.
Radiology
The use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and treatment (which today is the province of nuclear medicine).
Radiography
The process of making a radiograph; producing an image on a radiosensitive surface by radiation other than visible light
Radiology
The branch of medical science dealing with the medical use of X-rays or other penetrating radiation
Radiography
Photography that uses other kinds of radiation than visible light
Radiology
(radiology) examination of the inner structure of opaque objects using X rays or other penetrating radiation
Common Curiosities
Can a radiographer become a radiologist?
Yes, but it requires additional education including a medical degree and specialized training in radiology.
Is radiography used only in medicine?
No, radiography also has applications in industries like aerospace and automotive for non-destructive testing.
What is the main difference between radiology and radiography?
Radiology involves interpreting and sometimes treating with the images obtained, whereas radiography focuses solely on the image capture process.
Do radiologists perform surgeries?
While not surgeons, radiologists can perform minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging.
What types of imaging are used in radiology?
Radiology utilizes a variety of imaging types including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
Who performs radiography?
Trained professionals known as radiographers or radiologic technologists perform radiography.
What education is required for a radiographer?
Radiographers typically need an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in radiography or a related field.
What advanced certifications are available for radiographers?
Radiographers can pursue advanced certifications in areas like MRI, CT, and mammography.
How has digital technology impacted radiography?
Digital technology has improved the efficiency, image quality, and ease of storage in radiography.
What safety measures are associated with radiography?
Radiography involves protective measures such as lead shields and strict protocols to minimize radiation exposure.
What are the risks of radiology?
While beneficial, radiology procedures that involve radiation pose potential risks, such as exposure to ionizing radiation.
Can radiography detect all types of diseases?
Radiography is highly effective for diagnosing various conditions, but its efficacy can depend on the specific disease and the area of the body being examined.
What is a typical day like for a radiographer?
A radiographer’s day involves operating imaging equipment, preparing patients for procedures, and ensuring the quality of images.
How do advancements in radiology benefit patients?
Advancements in radiology improve the accuracy of diagnoses, the efficiency of treatments, and overall patient safety.
Are there any non-medical uses for radiography?
Yes, radiography is used in fields like engineering and archaeology to inspect materials and artifacts.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
