X-rays are great diagnostic tools but the radiation can be harmful after long-term exposure.
Diagnostic tools such as the radiographer have helped physicians and dentists acquire far more information about the patient than they could in the past, allowing the doctor to more successfully treat patients. Advances in technology have produced more durable radiography machines and have also created digital radiography machines that allow x-ray technicians to produce more accurate x-rays.
Area of Interest
Make sure that the entire area of interest is shot when taking an x-ray. All of the details of the area of interest must be clearly identifiable so that the dentist or physician can make an appropriate diagnosis, according to Smile Mag. The x-ray should be taken at multiple angles, since one angle might have a discrepancy.
Fresh Developer
Make sure that the developer solution used to make the x-ray dark and interpretable is fresh. Solution that is not fresh might result in a dark x-ray, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. Developers that are exposed to air or that are not properly diluted can stop working properly.
Buy Expensive Film
The most expensive film will usually produce the most accurate radiographic results. High-quality film often lacks fog and scratches, which lead the radiographer to take more x-rays, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. This exposes patients to more radiation and increases film expenses overall when more film has to be used during retakes.
Patient Protection
Use beam restricting devices that reduce the amount of scattered radiation. Not only does this protect the patient but also leads to more accurate images, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. Patients can also be protected by having them wear gonad shields, unless the gonad shield might restrict the area that is being examined.
Control mA
Different areas of the body need different amounts of mA in order to get an accurate image, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. The amount of mA that the radiography machine produces can be controlled by purchasing filters.
Digital
Digital radiographer machines produce images that can often be enlarged. They can have the resolution, color and contrast changed, according to RDH Magazine. The diagnostic process is much faster. The image is processed immediately and the harsh developing chemicals do not need to be used. The digital radiographer also uses 70 percent less radiation.
Maintenance
Radiography equipment should be regularly maintained in order to ensure that it is functioning properly, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. Film processors tend to wear down with time and often need the rollers, guide shoes and pumps to be replaced. New x-ray equipment usually does not need to be maintained very often.
Repeating
X-rays should always be repeated if the information gained from the x-ray is important enough. While exposing the patient to more radiation is bad, not diagnosing a potentially dangerous disease or condition can be even worse.
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