The purpose of the x-ray film viewer

A negatoscope is a special medical device that is necessary for a detailed and thorough examination of X-ray images by a doctor. The device provides translucency of the film, so that the doctor has the opportunity to determine the localization of pathological foci and make a reliable diagnosis. Also, the study of images that are taken before the appointment of treatment and during therapy, allows you to assess the dynamics of the disease and change the tactics of treatment, if there is such a need.

What parts does the negatoscope consist of?

The design includes the following components:

1. Aluminum, steel or plastic housing, which can be treated with disinfectant solutions. Usually it is additionally covered with a reliable powder paint.
2. The lamp or LED elements needed to provide illumination.
3. Special "feet" or rollers for fixing the film. Wet images stick to the device on their own, and dry images need to be attached.
4. Level controls the brightness of the backlight. Blurry areas in the image are better visualized in maximum light.
5. Elements for mounting on the wall or special legs for mounting on the table. Some budget options can be installed directly near the doctor's workplace – this option is quite popular among dentists.
6. Blackout curtains (not all models are equipped).

The cost of a negatoscope with a plastic body is much less than that of a stainless steel design. This is due to the fact that devices made of metal are characterized by greater strength. Such a case reliably protects all the elements inside the device. Some manufacturers reduce the weight and reduce the cost of the structure due to the combination of plastic and metal elements of the housing.

The screen is made of frosted glass or acrylic, which is painted white. Thanks to this, the light becomes bluish-white, which allows the specialist to consider the slightest changes on radiographs and tomograms. The screens of some modern models are additionally equipped with an LGP matrix, which increases the clarity of images on films.

Function of x-ray film viewer

Some believe that the image can be viewed due to natural light from a window or the light of a table lamp without using a negatoscope, but this is not the case. An X-ray image is a picture in which there are a large number of shades of gray. They are quite problematic to consider with insufficient light brightness. That is why you need a negatoscope, which allows you to adjust the brightness and is characterized by high light intensity. Thanks to these features, the specialist can examine the image in detail, determine the presence of darkening or clearing, evaluate the changes and make the correct diagnosis, followed by the appointment of the correct treatment.

Modern medical diagnostic equipment, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomographs, make it possible to obtain detailed and high-quality images, in which every millimeter is important for the correct interpretation of the results.

Types of negatoscopes

Depending on the light source, there are two variants of negatoscopes:

• lamp-type;
• LED devices.

The first are equipped with fluorescent or fluorescent lighting, providing optimal lighting without flickering. With prolonged use, the lamp still wears out, so there is a characteristic flashing, which negatively affects the doctor who uses this device – this effect causes not only eye fatigue, but also a severe headache. Among the disadvantages, it is also worth highlighting the unpleasant buzzing of the negatoscope and the rapid appearance of scratches on the screen due to the need to move the film.

LED equipment is equipped with a large number of small diodes on the tape and is characterized by the following advantages:

• the light intensity does not change over time;
• no humming characteristic of the lamp unit;
• does not overheat;
• economical due to the consumption of less electricity;
• compact and lightweight;
• the possibility of long-term operation.

In both lamp and LED devices, it is necessary to replace the light source over time if a malfunction occurs. To do this, there are special hinges on the negatoscopes, thanks to which you can dismantle the front panel.

Where is the negatoscope used?

Modern medicine is impossible to imagine without X-ray examination and analysis of radiographs, so negatoscopes are used in almost all medical specialties. The most popular this device is in the following areas:

1. Traumatology. To confirm the diagnosis of deforming osteoarthritis, dislocation or fracture, to determine the presence of dislocations and choose the right treatment strategy, you can only use an X-ray image.
2. Dentistry. For the diagnosis of certain diseases of the teeth and maxillofacial region, an examination is not enough, but it is necessary to study an X-ray or tomogram.
3. Pulmonology. Diagnosis of lung abscesses and gangrene, occupational diseases of the respiratory system, tuberculosis, neoplasms and confirmation of the diagnosis of pneumonia are possible only through the correct interpretation of X-ray images.
4. Oncology. X-ray diagnostics is one of the main methods for detecting benign or malignant neoplasms in the body.
5. Gynecology. To diagnose infertility associated with obstruction of the fallopian tubes, you can use a special method of X-ray diagnostics – salpingography.
6. Mammography. On the breast images, the doctor can see the neoplasms.

Thus, the negatoscope is a very important device for the correct diagnosis of diseases. In addition to medicine, it is possible to use a negatoscope in non-destructive testing systems.