Radiographic technologists, better known as X-ray technicians, form a bridge between you and your radiologist. They provide your doctor the information, in form of X-rays, which helps him identify the appropriate method of treatment applicable to you. An X-ray technician is required to have at least an associate degree in radiology.
Working With Patients
X-ray technicians work with patients even though they might not play any direct role in the treatment process. Technicians check the patients for any article, clothing or otherwise, that may be intrusive to the X-ray. They keep all patient records and documentation to fix the amount and type of metals while taking the image. Technicians also specify the stance and position a patient should assume to ensure maximum visibility of area under investigation in the X-ray picture. X-ray technicians may also perform other tests on the patient, if required, before taking the X-ray image.
Patient Shielding
X-ray involves radioactive radiations; in small doses, they are quite harmless. But if a patient needs to take multiple X-ray images, it could adversely affect his health for a short time, if not in the long run. Consequently, the X-ray technician takes measures to minimize the risk of radiation by a method called patient shielding. It involves placing shields of aprons made of lead (a metal that blocks radiation) on parts of the patient's body that need not be photographed. The X-ray machines are also adjusted in such a way that the beams cover only a limited area.
Communicate With Medical Staff
An X-ray technician obtains the X-ray images of a patient for the benefit of the doctor; hence, he must staunchly follow the physician's instructions. The physician will diagnose the injury or wound on the basis of the X-ray the technician procures, so every small detail the physician provides is important to the technician. If any problem arises, regarding the X-ray image, the technician must promptly contact the physician who prescribed it and work with her to get rid of the glitches. The technician must also be up-to-date about the departments to which the X-ray images must be sent, so as to not misplace the vital data.
Equipment Maintenance
Of all the other jobs, maintaining the X-ray machine and related equipments is probably the most important aspect of the technician's work. They are responsible for the efficiency of the equipment, which must be always neat and ready for use. They must maintain a record of the number of X-rays taken along with other necessary details, so they can be reviewed by supervising authorities at any given time. Maintaining the X-ray films and keeping a good standard is their duty too. The technician must coordinate with his assistants to keep the X-ray room clean and sterile.
Tags: X-ray technician, technician must, X-ray images, X-ray technicians, work with, X-ray image
