Physics - 13 Electromagnetic Waves - 13.5 X-Rays in Medicine

Medical use of x-rays

producing images of bones

Radiographer

one who records x-rays

Professionals who carry out x-rays [2]

- radiographer

- dentist

X-ray process [3]:

- x-rays are produced in an x-ray tube when electrons hit metal

- x-rays are directed at patient and pass through soft tissues

- x-rays hit a flat panel or CCD detector behind the patient, creating an image

Detecting x-rays [3]

- flat panel detector is a small screen containing a CCD

- sensors in CCD convert x-rays to light

- light rays create electronic signal which create a digital image

Contrast medium

an x-ray absorbing substance used to fill a body organ so the organ can be seen on a radiograph

Barium meal

ingestion of barium to image internal abdominal structures

Safety of patient [2]:

- lead plates between x-rays and rest of body

- less than a second exposure to limit dosage

Radiation dosage

measure of the damage done to a body by ionising radiation

Radiation dose units

Sieverts (Sv)

Radiotherapy

high-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours

Stopping x-rays in medical settings [4]:

- lead in walls, panels and screens

- lead between x-rays and rest of body

- lead-lines aprons and jackets

- film badges