what are
x-rays and radiology?
X-rays are a form of radiant energy, like light and radio waves. However, they differ in that X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation which can penetrate the body. When X-rays are passed through the body, tissue densities of internal structures block the X-rays to varying degrees. Scientists, engineers and physicians over the better part of a century have used this phenomena to develop the field of radiology which uses highly-tuned equipment to produce images of the body, termed radiography.
Diagnostic X-ray examinations can provide valuable information about your health and have become an increasingly important role in helping your physicians make an early, accurate diagnosis.
RADIOLOGY TEChs and RADIOLOGISTs explained
Radiology technologists - health care professionals who perform diagnostic examinations, often with specialized training in certain imaging modalities.
Radiologists - Physicians with training in general clinical medicine and specialty training in radiation biology and physics along with imaging interpretation and minimally invasive image-guided interventional procedures.
The scientific unit of measurement for radiation dose, commonly referred to as effective dose, is the millisievert (mSv). Other radiation dose measurement units include rad, rem, roentgen, sievert, and gray. Because different tissues and organs have varying sensitivity to radiation exposure, the actual radiation risk to different parts of the body from an X-ray procedure varies. The term “effective dose” is used when referring to the radiation risk averaged over the entire body.
MEASURING
RADIATION
DOSAGE
RADIATION EXPOSURE ASSOCIATED WITH COMMON IMAGING PROCEDURES
X-ray: A small dose of ionizing radiation is used to perform most X-ray examinations. The radiation exposure from a typical chest X-ray is comparable to the radiation exposure received during a cross-country plane trip.
Mammogram: A small dose of ionizing radiation is used to perform this study. A complete mammogram evaluation uses much less than what humans are naturally exposed to as background radiation in the environment over a given year.
Computed Tomography (CT): A CT scan is a compilation of focused x-rays and therefore requires more energy than conventional X-ray examinations. It also provides more detailed information. Total radiation exposure varies by CT procedure, but a typical screening lung CT or head CT is comparable to the amount of background radiation an American receives each year.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET):Positron Emission Tomography and other nuclear medicine exams use small amounts of radioactive isotope-labeled materials which are injected to target the area of the body being imaged. The radiation dose varies by procedure but typically higher than routine CT scans.
Imaging Exams that do not utilize ionizing radiation:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI does NOT use X-rays or other ionizing radiation. Rather, strong magnets and radio waves are coupled to produce images.
Ultrasound (US): An Ultrasound does NOT use X-rays or other ionizing radiation to image patients. Ultrasound technology emits and receives sound waves.
For more detailed information please visit:
Patient Safety - Radiation Dose in X-Ray and CT Exams