X-Ray Scans
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with higher energy. This allows them to penetrate various materials, including human tissue, making them invaluable in medical imaging.
How Do X-Rays Work?
To produce a radiograph, a patient is positioned between an x-ray source and a detector. When activated, the x-ray machine emits radiation that travels through the body. Different tissues absorb x-rays to varying degrees based on their density and atomic number. For instance, bones absorb more x-rays due to their higher calcium content, appearing white on the image. Softer tissues, like muscles and fat, absorb fewer x-rays, resulting in shades of gray.
Uses of Medical X-Rays
X-rays are primarily used for diagnostic purposes, including:
- Detecting bone fractures
- Identifying tumours and abnormal masses
- Diagnosing pneumonia and other conditions in the lung
- Locating foreign objects
- Assessing dental issues
Are There Risks?
While the diagnostic benefits of x-rays typically outweigh the risks, they do involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can potentially harm living tissue. The risk of radiation exposure increases with the number of scans over a lifetime.
- Pregnancy Considerations: X-rays of the abdomen or pelvis are generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Non-radiation alternatives like MRI or ultrasound are preferred in these cases.
- Children's Sensitivity to Radiation: Children are particularly sensitive to radiation exposure because their bodies are still developing and they have a longer potential lifespan during which radiation-induced effects might manifest. This increased sensitivity raises their relative risk for developing radiation-induced cancer later in life.
Best Practices at Imaging Specialists
At Imaging Specialists, we prioritize the safety of our paediatric patients by implementing advanced techniques and protocols:
- Automatic Systems: We utilize automatic systems to minimize errors and the need for repeat scans, ensuring that each image is captured with the highest quality and lowest necessary dose of radiation.
- Locked Radiation Dose Settings: Our equipment is designed with a locked radiation dose system for operators, preventing any unintentional variations in radiation exposure. This ensures that children receive only the necessary amount of radiation for their imaging needs.
