X-ray: A Breakthrough in The Diagnostic Arena

X-rays are small wavelengths but very high-frequency EM waves which can travel via a human body and imprint the human skeleton in the forms of hyperdense and hypodense shadows on an X-ray film. Electromagnetic waves are a category of radiation that includes X-rays. 

The photos depict the various bodily parts in shades of black and white. This is because of the fact that different tissues absorb radiation in different ways. For example, bones appear white because calcium in bones absorbs the most X-rays. Fat and other soft tissues have a grayish appearance and absorb less. Lungs seem black because air absorbs the least.

What Is An X-ray Used For?

Various bodily areas are examined using X-ray technology. For example, a doctor or surgeon may request an x-ray if they suspect a fracture, dislocation, consolidation, or foreign substance. Typically, a chest X-ray is taken to look for diseases of the lungs and heart, and a shoulder X-ray is used to look for fractures or dislocations.

• A wrist X-ray is done to look for arthritis. Your joints' X-rays might show signs of arthritis. Your doctor can tell if your arthritis is becoming worse by looking at the x rays you've had over the years. 
• Osteoporosis can be diagnosed using a leg X-ray. You can get specific X-ray exams to determine your bone density. 
• Chest X-rays can detect lung ailments or infections. A chest X-ray may reveal evidence of pneumonia, TB, or lung cancer. 
• An abdomen X-ray is ordered to evaluate any issues with the digestive system. A conventional X-ray can be ordered to identify any foreign bodies eaten and the location of the obstruction, or barium, a contrast medium provided by a drink or an enema, can be used to expose issues with your digestive tract.

Is X-ray Harmful?

X-ray imaging creates pictures of the body using ionizing radiation. These radiations might pose hazardous effects on the body. However, medical imaging's connection to cancer risk is often relatively low and relies on: 

• Radiation exposure: The chance of developing cancer throughout a patient's lifetime rises as the dose and number of X-ray tests increase. 
• Patient's age: If a child undergoes multiple X-ray examinations, there may be a greater risk to his health when he grows up due to the harmful radiation exposure.
• Patient's sex: After getting the same exposures at the same ages, women had a slightly greater lifetime risk of acquiring radiation-associated cancer than males. 
• Body area: Different organs in the body have varying radiosensitivity.

Types of X-rays

There are commonly two types of x-rays that are employed: 

• A contrast x-ray and a non-contrast X-ray. Contrast x rays are typically used when an abdomen x ray is advised. These x rays require the administration of a dye before the scan and assess the site or level of stricture in the body. 

x-ray tests are the most common diagnostic intervention, and at Newmi, we provide you with easily accessible and accurate resources to book an x-ray test.