Unlike in the old days when xray equipment were only used for medical applications, these machines are nowadays used in a wide range of industries. For instance, it is used as a fault diagnosis tool in manufacturing, processing and assembly industries. However, they are still widely used in medical facilities to examine fractured bones, injured muscles and soft tissue damage among other things. Almost every medical facility nowadays has this piece of equipment.
X-rays are normally produced when high speed electrons collide with a heavy atom target, or anode. Normally, current is passed through a filament which heats up and starts emitting electrons. Since there is a very high voltage gradient between the filament and tungsten anode, the electrons accelerate towards the anode with great force. Once they hit the target, photons are produced.
X-ray machines have a lead shield which prevents the x-ray photons from moving in every direction. The lead shield has a small window that allows the x-rays to move in the desired direction. Several filters are normally used to get rid of harmful radiation before the x-ray beam can reach the patient. A camera-like object with a film is normally placed behind the patient to capture the x-ray image.
When a patient undergoes an x-ray procedure, the white images on the film normally represent bones while the grey or black sections are images of muscles or other softer tissues. The images can help doctors with patient diagnosis. Bone fracture, muscle tissue damage, cartilage problems and even intestinal problems can be identified with the help of these machines.
Different types of cancer can be managed using radiation therapy. High energy x-rays can be used to prevent cancerous cells from spreading. However, the operator must ensure that the patient is only exposed to safe levels of radiation so as to prevent other types of cancers from developing.
Portable x-ray machines have now been developed for field testing. For instance, these machines can be used in the factory to check whether a piece of equipment has developed cracks. They can also be used to test for leaks. When using these machines in the field, safety precautions still need to be observed to ensure that the operator as well as other people do not develop radiation sickness.
In secure places like airports, x-ray scanners are used to ensure that passengers do not board planes with weapons such as knives, guns and explosives. With these scanners, there is no need of searching bags or frisking passengers because every object they are carrying can be seen. Scanners are now an industry standard in all international airports in the world.
When using xray equipment, there are several precautions that must be observed. For instance, children below a certain age cannot be exposed to x-rays because of the damage it may cause to the young and tender body organs of a child. Operators are also required to wear protective clothing when operating these machines. Furthermore, technicians must limit the amount of radiation as well as the length of time a person is exposed to x-rays. These precautions will go a long way in preventing radiation sickness from affecting operators or patients.
X-rays are normally produced when high speed electrons collide with a heavy atom target, or anode. Normally, current is passed through a filament which heats up and starts emitting electrons. Since there is a very high voltage gradient between the filament and tungsten anode, the electrons accelerate towards the anode with great force. Once they hit the target, photons are produced.
X-ray machines have a lead shield which prevents the x-ray photons from moving in every direction. The lead shield has a small window that allows the x-rays to move in the desired direction. Several filters are normally used to get rid of harmful radiation before the x-ray beam can reach the patient. A camera-like object with a film is normally placed behind the patient to capture the x-ray image.
When a patient undergoes an x-ray procedure, the white images on the film normally represent bones while the grey or black sections are images of muscles or other softer tissues. The images can help doctors with patient diagnosis. Bone fracture, muscle tissue damage, cartilage problems and even intestinal problems can be identified with the help of these machines.
Different types of cancer can be managed using radiation therapy. High energy x-rays can be used to prevent cancerous cells from spreading. However, the operator must ensure that the patient is only exposed to safe levels of radiation so as to prevent other types of cancers from developing.
Portable x-ray machines have now been developed for field testing. For instance, these machines can be used in the factory to check whether a piece of equipment has developed cracks. They can also be used to test for leaks. When using these machines in the field, safety precautions still need to be observed to ensure that the operator as well as other people do not develop radiation sickness.
In secure places like airports, x-ray scanners are used to ensure that passengers do not board planes with weapons such as knives, guns and explosives. With these scanners, there is no need of searching bags or frisking passengers because every object they are carrying can be seen. Scanners are now an industry standard in all international airports in the world.
When using xray equipment, there are several precautions that must be observed. For instance, children below a certain age cannot be exposed to x-rays because of the damage it may cause to the young and tender body organs of a child. Operators are also required to wear protective clothing when operating these machines. Furthermore, technicians must limit the amount of radiation as well as the length of time a person is exposed to x-rays. These precautions will go a long way in preventing radiation sickness from affecting operators or patients.
No comments:
Post a Comment