RADIOGRAPHY

DR .CHRISTINA ANGELA
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ,DIRS DU.
LECTURE CONTENTS
 Radiography
 Uses of radiography
 Equipment components
 Types of radiography
 Benefit versus risks
 Radiation protection devices
WHAT IS RADIOGRAPHY?

 Radiography is the art and science of using radiation to provide images

of the tissues, organs, bones, and vessels that comprise the human body.
These images may be recorded on film or as a computerized image. 
 Radiography is used by medical professionals to diagnose and treat
medical conditions. The diagnostic side of radiography uses specialized
equipment to create images, such as x-rays, that show the inside of the
human body. X-rays can be recorded on film or as a computerized
image. A doctor who specializes in this area is called a radiologist, while
an assistant is referred as a radiologic technologist or radiographer
USES OF RADIOGRAPHY

 Radiography is used in many types of examinations and procedures

where a record of a static image is desired. Some examples include
 Dental examination
 Verification of correct placement of surgical markers prior to invasive
procedures
 Mammography
 Orthopedic evaluations
 Spot film or static recording during fluoroscopy
 Chest radiography
X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM

 Three Principal Parts of an X- ray Imaging System

 1. x-ray tube
 2. operating console
 3. high-voltage generator
X RAY TUBE WITH HOUSING
X RAY TABLE
ERECT BUCKY / MOBILE X
RAY UNIT
THE OPERATING CONSOLE
HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATOR
 These high voltage generators helps to produce x rays
TYPES OF RADIOGRAPHY
 Conventional or analogue
 Digital radiography
ANALOGUE RADIOGRAPHY
 This is the system used traditionally and still in use
 It uses a radiographic film intensifying screen and cassette
 Dark rooms are needed for film processing
 Precise radiographic techniques are required
DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
 Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray
sensors are used instead of traditional radiographic film. Advantages
include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the
ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Also, less radiation can
be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional
radiography.
HOW DO X-RAY INCREASE
YOUR RISK FOR CANCER?
 When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the
body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms,
leaving behind positive ions. These positive ions, or free
radicals, can cause damage to DNA. DNA can also be
damaged directly by radiation. If DNA is damaged, there
are three possible outcomes:
1. The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses).
2. The cell repairs itself perfectly (most common result).
3. The cell repairs itself with mistakes (rare).
WHAT IS THE RISK TO
THE FETUS?
 Much like the risk estimates in adults, fetal risk estimates
are not proven with any certainty, but are taken very
seriously. We know that children are more sensitive than
adults, so we assume the fetus is at even higher risk. If
there is any chance you may be pregnant, you must
inform your doctor as well as the staff that is performing
your study. There are precautions that can be taken to
limit risk or there may be alternative imaging modalities,
such as Ultrasound. The estimates provided by this
website are not designed to estimate fetal risk.
HOW DO I PROTECT
MYSELF?
 For the most part, background radiation is unavoidable.
To limit your radiation exposure from medical sources, it
is important to talk to your doctor about your imaging
choices. Using a shield to cover part of the body that is
not needed for an exam is an effective and easy way to
decrease your exposure.
Radiation Protection
Devices
REFERNCES
 Imaging in Rehabilitation, By: Terry. R. Malone, Charles Hazle &
Michael, L. Grey. McGraw Hill Publishers
 Learning Radiology RECOGNIZING THE BASICS 3rd EDITION,
By: William Herring