X-ray
By:Lauren Greene
An x-ray is a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical.
An x-ray sends individual x-ray particles through your body. The images are then recorded on a computer or a film.
X-rays can be used to help identify:
fractures and breaks
problems with teeth, such as loose teeth, root erosion and abscess, which can all be indirect signs of tooth decay
Osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones.
Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)
Bone tumors, which can either be non-cancerous or cancerous.
How is the diagnostic test utilized in treatment?
Bone is very hard and the dense tissue shows up clearly on x-rays. X-rays are therefore very useful for diagnosing problems related to your bones.
How are x-rays beneficial?
Benefits of an x-ray:
Easy to diagnose- X-rays are the easiest method available to diagnose bone and joint related issues.
Easily available- X-ray equipment are often inexpensive and commonly available in most emergency rooms, ambulatory care centers, doctors offices, nursing homes, etc.
Speedy Diagnosis- X-ray imaging is a quick and simple process making it very useful during a visit to the emergency room.
No side effects- X-rays are not known to have any side effects in the diagnostic range. Care is taken to ensure that radiation exposure is maintained at the minimum at all times.
How are x-rays harmful?
X-rays are capable of killing living cells in your body. These machines must be used with extreme care. When they are used improperly they cause severe burns, cancer, leukemia, and cataracts. X-rays can speed aging, reduce immunity to diseases, and bring about disastrous changes in your reproductive cells. Lead screens are used in x-ray machines to protect patients and technicians from dangerous radiation.
Conclusion
Overall x-rays are a trusted procedure to diagnose several problems dealing with bones and tissues in your body. X-rays are a good way for doctors to look inside your body to find the problem without surgery or incisions.