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Diagnostic Radiography: Systems of work
Introduction
Technological development has seen medical imaging use various techniques to examine patient, especially non-pain methods. Radiography uses ultrasound, x-ray and other forms of imaging to examine the patients presenting different problems (diseases and conditions). Radiations are used in small amounts for this examination. This examination uses non-invasive and painless procedures. It is used to create images of the patients’ bones or the internal organs that are useful in the diagnosis of the problem. Special machines are used to emit small amounts of radiations that pass through the body and are reflected on the film or similar device, which produces the image (Reeves and Decker 2012). However, according to Brant and Helms (2006), it is good to note that a radiographer alone cannot accomplish this task. They work in collaboration with other technicians and specialist: this forms systems of interrelated work that function together to help the patient. This paper will examine the process involved radiographic diagnoses (that is system of work).
Health practitioners involved
The patient presents his or her case to the doctor who does the physical examination based on the patient’s explanations. The patient can be referred to the radiographic department based on his explanations or after doing other laboratory test. In the radiographic department, there is a radiographer whose role is to conduct the examination. A radiologist who is also found in this department is a specialized medical practitioner whose duty is the interpretation of the images (Brant and Helms 2006)
How it works
According to Urden (2013), a small amount of radiations is passed in the body. As opposed in the past where they used a special film to record the image, the current equipment captures the required image and transmits it to create an electronic image. Healthy bones will appear grey or white because calcium that is present in them will block the radiations that are passed through the body. On the other hand, the lungs will appear black if they are healthy since the radiations pass through the air spaces.
When is this examination used
This diagnosis is common. For instance, in Australia, approximately 7 million examinations are done each year. Its uses include diagnosis of fracture in order to detect bones that are broken (this is the most common use of this examination). In addition, it is used to diagnose dislocation in order to identify bones or joints which are abnormally located or positioned. As surgical equipment, it is useful in ensuring accurate performance of operations by the surgeon. For instance, x-ray images that are taken in orthopaedic surgery help to indicate if the fractures that are aligned or implanted devices (like in the case of artificial joints) are in a good position. It is also used to diagnose conditions of the joints or bones (for instances, if they have arthritis or cancer), the chest like heart failure, emphysema, lung cancer, or pneumonia. It is also used to detect foreign objects in the body like swallowed coins or the bullet (Bushberg, 2012).
Medical issues that are considered during diagnosis
Prior to radiographic diagnosis, there are medical considerations that one has to consider. For instance, another test is recommended for pregnant women. Therefore, one has to be aware of this. However, conventional x-ray does not require any special consideration (Carver and Carver 2012).
Carver and Carver (2012) noted that some examinations use a special agent like the iodinated contrast. This is used to improve details of the image or make it easy to see the structures of the body like the blood vessels or the bowel. Instructions should be made clear about how to prepare it and the results expected in both private and clinic and public hospital radiographic department. Other diagnoses are preferred for osteoporosis cases
