Radiologic Technologist Blog
Radiation is the transmission of energy through space. There is typically a source of the radiation, a radiation beam, and some material which absorbs the radiation. In diagnostic radiography, the X-ray device is the source of radiation and it emits a radiation beam that is absorbed by the patient. What are the different types of radiation? And why are X-rays preferred for use in medical imaging?
What is the best diet for healthy bones? Patients may sometimes ask DXA operators what they should be eating to keep their bones healthy. A dietary consultation may be necessary, but it doesn’t hurt for radiologic techs to know what the recommendations are.
This article in the series on bone diseases in humans talks about renal osteodystrophy and Paget’s disease of the bone. X-ray technologists need to be familiar with these diseases as they often entail radiographic imaging. Our 2-credit ARRT®-recognized course on Radiography of the Leg, Knee, and Ankle is a great way to revise your knowledge and earn CE credits at the same time.
Bone health in America is a challenge because of the magnitude of issues related to this aspect of healthcare. In fact, the status of bone health in the country is in grave danger. Fractures due to unhealthy, diseased bones are common. An estimated 1.5 million fractures related to bone disease occur each year. These not only affect the quality of life of the individuals who suffer them but also place a considerable financial burden on the country’s healthcare system.
Healthcare providers should encourage every young and middle-aged adult to adopt a lifestyle that is conducive to healthy bones. Healthy lifestyle choices promote overall health and wellbeing. They also help prevent chronic diseases. Bone densitometry can help identify low bone mass and prevent fragility fractures. What are BMD testing guidelines for adults?
Radiation dose represents the energy deposited per unit mass of tissue. It is typically measured in Gray (Joules/kg). This deposition of energy may cause damage the tissues, and therefore, patient radiation dose must be measured and monitored. Patients are exposed to some of the largest doses of radiation during fluoroscopically-guided procedures and computed tomography examinations. Radiologic technologists play a key role in limiting this dose, based on the ALARA principle, by using the correct imaging techniques.