Why We Need X-Ray Technicians

Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 7:47 am

rad18 Also known as radiologic technologists or radiographers, x-ray technicians are people who operate machines and materials with radioactive contents which are used in medicine. This description, however professional, does not actually explain the complexities of their job, and it is important to look first into the responsibilities of the radiographers.

The x-ray machine is one of the most important diagnostic equipment used in modern medicine. The word “x-ray” was first used by Wilhelm Rontgen who used such a word since it was then an unknown radiation. The rays can actually go through most solid objects, with the exception of denser and thicker materials. In fact, it was Rontgen himself who discovered the x-ray but eventually decided not to use his name after his invention. The discovery led him to be awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics. As a result of this, countless scientists and inventors attempted to follow his investigations into what was known then as the strange energy. Famous scientists who followed in Rontgen’s investigations were Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. The invention and refinement of imaging machines and all sorts of maintenance and work related to these new machines have brought about new profession in this field. The result was that radiological technologists were born.

Getting an x-ray image is not only about exposing the patient to a lamp of radioactive material. It is more importantly about getting fine control to get the right quality of image. Now the image is deemed useless if it’s overexposed or underexposed, very the same in photographic film developing. The radiographer’s main task while operating the machine is to see to it that the image is good and they do this by carefully watching and adjusting radiation levels from the machine. Aside from this, x-ray technicians are themselves responsible in the development of the film. Very much like in photography, a film is not useful without being “fixed.” Therefore, getting a film done sets the image and prevents further reactions and this means preserving the image even under bright lights. Since the film can only be seen and interpreted using strong light, it is important that the film is first fixed.

Another important element in the profession of the radiographers is that like many professions, they too work with people. They are trained how to position the patients and how to deal with them. In fact, it is even more difficult to deal with people who are suffering from various pains and illnesses, but radiographers have mastered this craft.

The working condition of the radiographers is not also safe, compared to many other medical professions, simply because they are exposed to radiation which is very dangerous. They need to know how to shield themselves and the patients from excessive exposure to radiation. It the end, the aim really is to help patients get better, and not exposing them to further health hazards.

Finally, x-ray technicians have an edge in first identifying health problems of patients based on the results. They are also qualified to interpret findings, and they too are knowledgeable to identify sensitive spots in the image. With the kind of job the radiologists perform in the field of medicine, we acknowledge their valuable contributions to medicine.

Delicious Digg This Reddit Stumble This