X-ray is a term with which all of us are familiar; usually, X-ray is recommended to diagnose bone-related injuries, but they are equally useful in the diagnosis of other ailments too. There are nearly seven million X-ray examinations conducted each year across the country.
Here, we shall see how X-rays work, what injuries and illnesses they are advised, and most importantly, why we should always get our X-rays done by a trained and licensed radiographer.
How Do X-Rays Work?
The X-ray machine emits a limited amount of radiation aimed at the organ or the bone that needs a close examination during an examination. The radiation passes through the body, and an image of that body part is created on a special device. X-ray imaging is also called radiography. Depending on the medical condition of the patient, different types of X-rays are taken:
- Plain X-ray
- CT scan
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
- Angiography
The amount of ionizing radiation exposure to a body is minimal in a plain X-ray. Our body absorbs the same amount of radiation in about a week in a normal environment. For CT scans and angiographies, the dose of radiation may be higher. If you have a medical condition like pregnancy, you must always inform the physician.
When Is An X-Ray Needed?
An X-ray helps the doctor in the diagnosis of several injuries and ailments:
- Bone injuries include fractures, dislocations, and severe bone conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.
- Lung-related illnesses
- Bowel blockages
- Heart diseases
- Blood vessel congestions
- Cancer of the breast, bone, and lung
- Detection of the location of a foreign body lodged inside the body
X Rays |
Why Should We Go To A Trained And Accredited Radiographer For Our X-Rays?
X-rays involve a highly technical procedure. Since the diagnosis of various life-threatening illnesses depends on the X-ray reports, the person who does the X-ray must be fully qualified. This ensures that the X-ray image will be of superior quality, enabling the doctor to make the correct diagnosis.
Diagnostic radiographers are also referred to as medical imaging technologists. Before they start working professionally, they must be accredited by the Australian Institute of Radiology (AIR). This accreditation is compulsory as they use advanced medical imaging technology for which they need to have requisite education and training.
These programs make the budding medical imaging technologists proficient in the physics of medical radiation, introduce them to the latest imaging techniques used in CT scans, mammography, and radiology, and train them to efficiently interact with patients to get the best imaging results. These technicians must first complete a bachelor’s program in medical imaging science. Many of them go on further to complete the Master’s program for added specialization.
After the bachelor’s program, they have to work to earn their accreditation with the AIR and register themselves with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA) to get their professional working license.
If you go to a licensed X-ray imaging technologist, you can be rest assured that he has the required educational qualification, skills, and training to handle your case efficiently. As a result, the X-ray report will be accurate, and you shall have the correct treatment.
Conclusion
An X-ray is a common medical procedure, but it requires skill and technique. So, going to a licensed radiographer is the best decision you can take to ascertain that you get the best possible treatment for your ailment.
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