What is an X-ray?
X-ray is the most popular method in the world for diagnosing internal organs and the musculoskeletal system. It allows you to obtain an image with the highest level of detail, which greatly facilitates the doctor’s process of making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment. Despite the fact that each x-ray means the patient receives a microdose of harmful ionizing radiation, the benefits of x-rays far outweigh any disadvantages. What is an x-ray and how safe is it?
X-ray - what is it?
X-ray is a colloquial term that in medicine means a method of non-invasive examination of internal organs and the musculoskeletal system using high-energy ionizing radiation. In professional jargon, two definitions are more often used - fluoroscopy and radiography. In the first case, the image is displayed on a special fluorescent screen, and in the second, it is transferred to film, paper or stored on electronic storage media.
To obtain an image, an X-ray tube is used, which during operation generates electromagnetic radiation with a certain wavelength. Passing through the patient's body, the radiation hits a digital detector, light-sensitive film or paper, displaying the structure of the tissue.
The operating principle of X-rays is based on the fact that the denser the tissue, the more it absorbs the radiation passing through it. For example, bones absorb ionizing rays almost completely, so they appear white in the image, softer muscle tissue appears gray, and air appears black. That is why, for example, when pneumonia is diagnosed, healthy lungs will be black, and the focus of pneumonia located in diseased lungs will be lighter in color. As a result, the doctor receives a contrast, black and white image of the organ or body part being examined.
How many times a year can an x-ray be taken?
X-rays are most often used for examination:
- stomach and duodenum;
- gallbladder and biliary tract;
- colon;
- chest;
- spine;
- musculoskeletal system to detect tumors, infectious diseases, dislocations and fractures;
- abdominal cavity;
- uterus and fallopian tubes;
- teeth;
- breast.
Natural background radiation constantly affects the human body, so radiation from an X-ray machine is only an additional risk factor. The dose of radioactive radiation absorbed by the human body is measured in millisieverts, with the maximum allowable being one hundred millisieverts per year. The natural radiation background is about two millisieverts per year, for one X-ray of the chest the patient receives an average dose of 0.10 millisieverts, and of the back 1.50 millisieverts, so x-rays are considered an almost harmless procedure. In addition, the more modern the device, the lower the intensity of its radiation.
According to the current regulatory documentation, the following maximum radiation doses are established for each category of users:
- one hundred microsieverts per year - for patients who require regular examination. Most often, patients with diagnosed cancer, congenital defects of the cardiovascular system, serious injuries, and others;
- twenty microsieverts – for patients who need regular medical examination;
- one microsievert – for users undergoing preventive examinations.
X-ray for pregnant women and children
Pregnant women can undergo fluoroscopy only as prescribed by a doctor, who will assess its necessity and expertly assess all risk factors. The greater the intensity of the radiation, the more harm the procedure can cause to the child. According to statistics, x-rays before the eighth week of pregnancy increase the risk of congenital pathologies, and after that - the risk of intellectual development disorders. But undergoing several examinations of the abdominal cavity of the expectant mother immediately before pregnancy is not recommended - this may affect the development of the fetus.
Children are allowed to undergo radiography at any age, but only if other diagnostic methods do not provide the doctor with the necessary information. It is recommended to use the minimum radiation intensity during the procedure and use it during preventive examinations only from the age of fourteen.
How to get an x-ray?
Preparing for an x-ray depends on the area or organ being examined. If we are talking about the abdominal cavity and gastrointestinal tract, then the doctor may prescribe a special diet, a course of laxatives or a special enema. In additions and for several hours before the examination you should not drink, eat or smoke.
Before undergoing an x-ray, the patient must remove all metal jewelry and accessories (chains, key chains, belt buckle, etc.). If a chest X-ray is being taken, the patient should undress to the waist. Other parts of the body that may be exposed to radiation are protected with special aprons or capes.