X-Ray Equipment & Technology PDF

Typical Equipment in Radiologic Technology X-Ray Machine Most patients are familiar with this type of imaging technology. Using external radiation, an X-ray machine creates images of bones or other tissues. Dentists use X-ray equipment to check a patient’s teeth...

Typical Equipment in Radiologic Technology X-Ray Machine Most patients are familiar with this type of imaging technology. Using external radiation, an X-ray machine creates images of bones or other tissues. Dentists use X-ray equipment to check a patient’s teeth. X-rays also are used when a patient breaks a bone.  Typical Equipment in Radiologic Technology Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner Also known as a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan, a CT scan can produce 3D images using a series of X-rays that rotate 360 degrees around the patient. The scanner is typically circular, with an opening in the center. The patient lies on a table that moves in and out of the scanner.  Typical Equipment in Radiologic Technology Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Machine An MRI machine uses radio waves and magnets to create computer- generated images of organs, bones, or muscle tissue. Doctors may use an MRI scan to diagnose tumors, heart disease, and other issues.  Typical Equipment in Radiologic Technology Mammography Unit This is a type of specialized X-ray equipment used to perform mammograms. The images can help detect any changes or problems in a patient’s breast tissue.  Typical Equipment in Radiologic Technology Ultrasound Equipment An ultrasound machine uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images of a patient’s body. Ultrasounds often are used during pregnancy to safely check fetal development. However, they also can be used to check veins, arteries, thyroid glands, and other parts of the body.  X-ray An X-ray (also known in many languages as Röntgen radiation) is a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than those of ultraviolet rays and longer than those of gamma rays. Roughly, X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 10-8 to 10-12 meter, corresponding to frequencies in the range of 3×1016 to 3×1019 Hz and photon energies in the range of 100 eV to 100 keV, respectively.  X-ray X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation—when interacting with matter, they are energetic enough to cause neutral atoms to eject electrons. Through this ionization process the energy of the X-rays is deposited in the matter. X-rays are commonly produced by accelerating (or decelerating) charged particles; examples include a beam of electrons striking a metal plate in an X-ray tube and a circulating beam of electrons in a synchrotron particle accelerator or storage ring. In addition, highly excited atoms can emit X-rays with discrete wavelengths characteristic of the energy level spacings in the atoms. The X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum falls far outside the range of visible wavelengths. X-ray wavelength and frequency Electromagnetic spectrum  History of Radiography X-rays were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen (1845- 1923) who was a Professor at Wuerzburg University in Germany. Working with a cathode-ray tube in his laboratory, Roentgen observed a fluorescent glow of crystals on a table near his tube. The tube that Roentgen was working with consisted of a glass envelope (bulb) with positive and negative electrodes encapsulated in it. The air in the tube was evacuated, and when a high voltage was applied, the tube produced a fluorescent glow. Roentgen shielded the tube with heavy black paper, and discovered a green colored fluorescent light generated by a material located a few feet away from the tube. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen Roentgen laboratory  History of Radiography He concluded that a new type of ray was being emitted from the tube. This ray was capable of passing through the heavy paper covering and exciting the phosphorescent materials in the room. He found that the new ray could pass through most substances casting shadows of solid objects. Roentgen also discovered that the ray could pass through the tissue of humans, but not bones and metal objects. One of Roentgen's first experiments late in 1895 was a film of the hand of his wife, Bertha. It is interesting that the first use of X-rays were for an industrial (not medical) application, as Roentgen produced a radiograph of a set of weights in a box to show his colleagues. Roentgen's first experiments  History of Radiography Prior to 1912, X-rays were used little outside the realms of medicine and dentistry, though some X-ray pictures of metals were produced. The reason that X-rays were not used in industrial application before this date was because the X-ray tubes (the source of the X-rays) broke down under the voltages required to produce rays of satisfactory penetrating power for industrial purposes. However, that changed in 1913 when the high vacuum X-ray tubes designed by Coolidge became available. The high vacuum tubes were an intense and reliable X- ray source, operating at energies up to 100,000 volts.  History of Radiography In 1922, industrial radiography took another step forward with the advent of the 200,000-volt X-ray tube that allowed radiographs of thick steel parts to be produced in a reasonable amount of time. In 1931, General Electric Company developed 1,000,000 volt X-ray generators, providing an effective tool for industrial radiography. That same year, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) permitted X-ray approval of fusion welded pressure vessels that further opened the door to industrial acceptance and use.  The X-Rays properties x-rays are pure energy, no charge, neutral x-rays can't be seen, felt, tasted, smelled They have a shorter wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum. Requires high voltage to produce X-Rays. They are used to capture the human skeleton defects. They travel in a straight line and do not carry an electric charge with them. They are capable of travelling in a vacuum.  What are uses of X-rays? The most common form of X-ray used is X-ray radiography, which can be used to help detect or diagnose Bone fractures Infections (such as pneumonia) Calcifications (like kidney stones or vascular calcifications) Some tumors Arthritis in joints Bone loss (such as osteoporosis) Dental issues Heart problems (such as congestive heart failure) Blood vessel blockages Digestive problems Foreign objects (such as items swallowed by children)  Risks However X-rays are ionizing radiation and exposure can be hazardous to health, causing DNA damage, cancer and, at higher intensities, burns and radiation sickness. Their generation and use is strictly controlled by public health authorities tissue effects such as cataracts, skin reddening, and hair loss, which occur at relatively high levels of radiation exposure and are rare for many types of imaging exams