WHO / Ivan Chernichkin
Diagnostic imaging: electron magnetic resonance (EMR). Ukraine 2008
© Credits

Strengthening medical imaging

Medical imaging developed rapidly to play a central role in medicine today by supporting diagnosis and treatment of a disease.

Recognizing that medical imaging for diagnostic and treatment refers to medical devices using ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and hybrid imaging modalities, such as:  conventional radiology, fluoroscopy, angiography, computed tomography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, densitometry, dental radiology, diagnostic nuclear medicine, including positron emission tomography (PET), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MR), as well as interventional radiology (i.e., image-guided interventional procedures).

Many low and lower-middle income countries cannot afford imaging equipment, and often there is a shortage of healthcare workers trained to use such equipment.

The WHO collaborates with partners and manufacturers to develop technical solutions for improved diagnostic imaging services in remote locations. In addition, the WHO and partners provide training programs in the use and management of medical imaging with emphasis on patient safety.

Publications

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Portable digital radiography system: technical specifications

This WHO-IAEA joint publication takes its origin from a substantial and increased need from Member States, donor agencies and NGOs to use “portable”...

Priority medical devices list for the COVID-19 response and associated technical specifications

This document describes the medical devices required for the clinical management of COVID-19, selected and prioritized according to the...

Use of chest imaging in COVID-19: a rapid advice guide, 11 June 2020

This rapid advice guide examines the evidence and makes recommendations for the use of chest imaging in acute care of adult patients with suspected, probable...

Cover of the book

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes ultrasound as an important medical diagnostic imaging technology. Manuals on ultrasound have been published...

The WHO manual of diagnostic imaging: radiographic anatomy and interpretation of the chest and the pulmonary system

The following text aims to provide an aid to the interpretation of the chest radiograph (CXR). This is not a comprehensive account of all possible chest...

The WHO manual of diagnostic imaging: radiographic anatomy and interpretation of the musculoskeletal system

Modern diagnostic imaging offers a vast spectrum of modalities and techniques, which enables us to study the function and morphology of the human body...

Manual of diagnostic ultrasound /  2nd ed. Vol 1

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes ultrasound as an important medical diagnostic imaging technology. Manuals on ultrasound have been published...

Basics of radiation protection for everyday use

The aim of this book is to provide guidance and tips to improve image quality without subjecting patients to unnecessary ionizing radiation.

Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory, 2nd ed

This manual is intended for use mainly in medical laboratories in developing countries. It is designed particularly for use in peripheral laboratories...

Pattern Recognition in Diagnostic Imaging

This book focuses on how to perform and interpret X-rays examinations in countries where diagnostic imaging has not yet reached the stage of molecular...

diagnostic-images-what-is-it

Diagnostics imaging has developed rapidly to play a central role in medicines today.However, many countries in the  developing world cannot afford...

quality-assurance-workbook

This document, which is developed by the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) under the umbrella of the WHO Global...

External publications

Book thumbnail
Medical Devices and Diagnostics (MDD)

WFUMB Ultrasound Book

Published by the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology this book fulfills the vision of "bringing ultrasound to the world". This novel...

Medical Imaging Data

GHO DEVICES08 Total density per million population: Magnetic Resonance Imaging MAP TEMPLATE

Gathering global data
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Explore the data of more imaging equipment in the Global Health Observatory.