Imaging tests play a vital role in the diagnosis, evaluation and monitoring of diseases. With the advancements in technology, a wide variety of imaging methods have become available for different purposes. Knowing the key points and ranking the best methods helps to make a more accurate and less invasive diagnosis and make more effective treatment decisions. In this article, we discuss the important points in the selection and correct use of imaging tests and methods rating criteria. Important Notes About Imaging Experiments ### 1. Specific targeting before testing Before choosing the imaging method, the target should be clear; including initial diagnosis, determining disease stage, monitoring progress or response to treatment, or assessing recurrence. ### 2. Considering the sensitivity and specificity of the method Each imaging method has its own characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate method based on the need and type of disease to provide the highest accuracy. ### 3. Items requiring special pre-protocols Some cases require special preparation, such as leak detection, nitroglycerin, or having specific drug intake patterns that must be followed before the test is performed. ### 4. Compliance with safety and radiation reduction In cases such as CT scan, radiation is important; Therefore, the minimum required radiation should be used and the patient should not be exposed to radiation. ### 5. Interpretation of results by experienced specialists Images should be interpreted by experienced medical professionals to reduce possible diagnostic errors and provide accurate results. Ranking of the best imaging methods To choose the best method, the criteria of sensitivity, specificity, safety, cost, access and clinical purpose should be taken into consideration. Here is a general ranking of imaging methods based on common applications: ### Level 1: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - **Main applications:** Diagnosis of brain and spinal diseases, assessment of soft tissues, mental tumors, diseases of joints and bones. - **Advantages:** No radiation, high detail images, suitable for detecting sensitive areas. ### Level 2: CT scan (computed x-ray) - **Main applications:** Rapid assessment of accidents, diagnosis of intra-abdominal tumors, ossification, bleeding and brain injuries. - **Advantages:** Fast and accurate images, high sensitivity in detecting abnormalities, but radiation. ### Level 3: Ultrasound (sound imaging) - **Main applications:** Evaluation of pregnancy, abdominal, cardiac, vascular and soft areas anomalies. - **Advantages:** No radiation, portable, reasonable cost, high speed. ### Level 4: imaging with contrast material injection (such as angiography and PET-CT) - **Main applications:** Vascular examination, determination of tumor boundaries, evaluation of metastases, internal body systems. - **Advantages:** More accurate images, ability to determine metabolic activity in PET-CT. ##### The final ranking is different depending on the type of disease and the evaluated area; But the general principles show that **MRI and CT** have priority over other methods in most cases. > Kausar Pathobiology Specialized Laboratory, proud to obtain ISO 15189, ISO 10002 and ISO 9001 of the European Union, under the supervision of Dr. Ali Ayatollahi, an anatomical and clinical pathology specialist, covers more than a thousand cases of various tests in the fields of pathology, genetics and clinical. (Contract party of basic insurances and most supplementary insurances) Also, genetic counseling is provided free of charge in this center by experts.* > > *Address: Mashhad - Vakilabad - Kausar Blvd. - between 2 and 4 Kausar - Farabi Doctors Building - negative one floor. Contact numbers: 051-38840404 and 051-38820202 and 09028840404* > > **Kowsar specialized laboratory, having the equipment and experienced personnel, is able to perform sampling services at home in Mashhad.**