It's World Radiography Day - 24 hours in the year that is dedicated
to celebrating the work done by all radiographers around the world.
So
what is radiography, exactly? Well there are two kinds: a type of
radiography that diagnoses a disease or condition and the type that is
theraputic.
A diagnostic radiographer has to work with special
imaging equipment that allows them to see what's going on. There are
several types, most of which you'll have heard of!
The x-ray
looks through your bones, cavities and any foreign objects that might
have found their way into your system. A fluoroscopy takes a real-time
picture of the digestive system; an MRI scan builds a 2D or 3D map of
the tissue in your body; and an angiography looks into the blood vessels
in your body. They've got it all covered!
The ultrasound is
probably one of the most commonly known methods of radiography.
Because it's how radiographers can check how a developing baby is
getting on - and is used to check for soon-to-be parents that their
little one's heartbeat and everything else is working as it should be.
So
what about the theraputic radiographer? Or as they more known as -
radiotherapy radiographers. Try saying that ten times!
Radiotherapy
is used to treat patients with cancer. Over a period of time x-ray
and iodine radiation doses are delivered to the patient - and has been
successful on several occasions in saving lives.
For both the
radiographers need to know what they're doing! And that means having a
sound knowledge of technology, the anatomy of the human body - and
physiology - and pathology! Phew!
