The healthcare industry has been one of the major recipients of technological advancement. Technology, after all, primarily aims to uplift the standards of life in any aspect, which predominantly involve health, entertainment and constant quest for knowledge, among others. Since there are continuing researches being conducted aiming to expand our knowledge on human anatomy and physiology, this simply goes to show that man incessantly seek better ways to know how our bodies really work in order to come up with greater means to address any need it may have. People have witnessed over the years many technological breakthroughs in the past that paved the way to creating a modernized and much advanced lifestyles we are currently having.
The accidental discovery of the first X-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen in the later part of the nineteenth century was the birth of the concept of imaging. Capturing images of inner structures of the body was made possible with the use of the new form of radiation. By using x-rays, you can penetrate the thickness of a certain body structure. In order to capture an image, they produce medical x-rays by allowing a stream of fast electrons stops against a metal plate. The different absorption rates of various types of tissues enable the production of the images. Since the calcium in the bones can absorb x-rays the most, they appear white on the radiograph, which is an X-ray image film recording. Hollow structures, such as lungs, which mainly consist of air, would appear black because air absorbs x-ray the least. The ones appearing gray in the radiograph may include fats and other soft tissues.
Contrary to what most people have known, X-rays are not used as routine laboratory for certain cases for nothing. They are used in cases other than fractures or broken bones. X-rays may come in different forms according to their purpose and the degree of imaging needed. The most fundamental type of x-ray imaging is plain radiography. It is the type included in some routine medical check-ups and it involves the use of x-ray machine aimed at the body while a recording plate is placed at the back. As the machine sends out the radiation, it captures the images of the bones that significantly aid medical practitioners in diagnosis.
A special x-ray test commonly heard by people is the computed tomography scan or CT scan. This is typically used by people to capture multiple images in greater detail and from many angles. This is done with the radiation delivered to multiple body parts as an advanced computer develops the images. This is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure creating three-dimensional images of body structures. It can also be performed using a special dye as a contrast medium.
As for the pregnant women, ultrasound is the most commonly known procedure conducted with the purpose of knowing the gender and monitoring the status of the fetus. Equipments such as machines, computers and transducers are used in this test. This imaging technique, though, uses waves that are of different frequency compared to that of the x-rays. The transducer is placed on the body part to be examined while the computer organizes the data it receives. The images are then displaced on the monitor. Other than ultrasound, another test usually conducted for women is mammography. A mammogram is used to diagnose conditions related to the anatomical deviations in the breasts. It is a specialized x-ray used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer and other related medical conditions.
Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly known as MRI, is another procedure usually conducted in the hospitals. It is frequently indicated for conditions related to brain activity, since it would usually involve the use of protons and magnetic waves that yield more detailed and clear images. This is unattainable with the use of other imaging techniques such as CT scan. Doing MRIs, however, entails additional considerations involving patients with fear of closed spaces or claustrophobia, since this procedure includes placing them inside a long, narrow tube. People automatically ineligible for this test include those who have electronically mechanically and magnetically activated implants, cardiac pacemakers, or metallic splinters in the eye.
Other imaging techniques include Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry or DEXA scan, also known as bone density scan, which is the standard practice in measuring bone mineral density. The Intravenous pyelography (IVP) is the x-ray used to visualize the urinary tract using a contrast medium in detection prostate enlargement, bladder cancer or kidney stones. The visualization of the coronary arteries of the heart is done with the use of angiography, an x-ray procedure using a contrast medium to detect any obstruction in the arteries.
The specialists that conduct all these procedures are the x-ray technicians. They are the qualified professionals who have completed a formal graduation degree such as Bachelor’s degree in radiology in order to be qualified to enter into x-ray training programs. In order to practice, they need to pass certifying exams accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The employment growth rate for x-ray technicians continue to be promising, since there is a projected increase by 15% in the year 2006-20016 as stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average x-ray technician salary they may expect to receive may reach up to $52,210 every year. Many work settings are available for them including the hospitals, specialty practices, physicians’ offices, laboratories, outpatient centers and diagnostic imaging centers.