How Does Imaging Help in Identifying Toxic Substances?
Imaging can directly or indirectly indicate the presence of toxic substances. For example, heavy metals like lead or mercury may be visible on X-rays due to their radiopaque nature. CT scans can reveal characteristic patterns of organ damage associated with specific toxins. In some cases, contrast agents used in imaging can interact with toxins, providing vital diagnostic clues. Nuclear imaging can identify altered metabolic pathways suggestive of chemical exposure, helping in the identification and quantification of toxic substances.
