X-ray diagnostic equipment
Date
1990
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Publisher
EWH
Abstract
X-rays are invisible. Because of their high energy and short wavelength they can penetrate almost all materials, but are absorbed to a different extent by different tissues. In the human body, absorption is high for bones, and low for muscles and other soft tissues. These differences in absorption can be shown on a photographic film as differences in density: the result is a radiograph. Thus, radiographic examination consists of irradiating a part of the patient with a uniform beam of X—rays and recording the emerging rays on a double emulsion film sandwiched between a pair of fluorescent screens. The screens convert the X-rays into light, which in turn exposes the X-ray film. The screens and the film are enclosed in a cassette for protection from daylight. After the exposure, the film must be processed, manually or automatically, in a darkroom by means of developer and fixer solutions.
X-ray examinations should be ordered only by physicians or experienced clinical health workers. "Routine" examinations are seldom indicated. A few of the more common indications and examinations that can be performed with diagnostic X-ray equipment are listed below (this is not a complete list).
Description
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Keywords
X-Ray, UMDNS: 13267