Radiography

This is the most familiar type of x-ray equipment to most of us. Radiography equipment uses x-rays to produce images on film. The film is loaded into a cassette and placed on the opposite side of the patient from the x-ray tube. The permanent image produced on the film aids in diagnosis.

Figure 3. Radiograph Image of the Cervical Spine

Radiography equipment can be either fixed or portable to accommodate the needs of the patient. Since the exposure time for most radiography procedures is short (usually less than one second), protection of personnel is relatively easy. In the case of portable machines, the x-ray operator is required to clear the area to a distance of six feet and notify personnel that an exposure will be taken. When the exposure is completed, personnel may resume patient care responsibilities. In the case of fixed radiography equipment, the patient is generally sent to an x-ray room where exposure of personnel is prevented by permanent shielding. If personnel are needed to hold a patient in an emergency, protective equipment such as a leaded apron and gloves must be worn as appropriate for the procedure.

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