Diagnostic imaging is the technique, process and art of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. Diagnostic  imaging seeks to reveal internal structures hidden by the skin and bones, as well as to diagnose and treat disease. Diagnostic imaging also establishes a database of normal anatomy and physiology to make it possible to identify abnormalities.

Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of diagnostic imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the body. Radiologists use an array of diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose or treat diseases. Interventional radiology is the performance of (usually minimally invasive) medical procedures with the guidance of imaging technologies. The acquisition of medical imaging is usually carried out by the radiographer or radiologic technologist. The radiologist then interprets or “reads” the images and produces a report of their findings and impression or diagnosis. This report is then transmitted to the ordering physician.