Radiographers: At the Forefront of Patient Safety
X-rays have become part of health care. Radiography has become an essential part of modern medicine. World Radiography Day is observed every year on 8 November. It marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays in 1895. The observation is to raise awareness about radiographic imaging and therapy. The discovery of X-rays was accidental. In 1895, when Prof Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen was doing experiments in his laboratory, he found the rays emanating from the cathode tube. Since Rontgen was not expecting the emission of these rays, and a surprise to him, he called them X-rays. Over the years, they continue to be called X-rays. The name remained, although many of Rontgen’s colleagues suggested naming them Rontgen rays. The observation also recognises the contributions of radiographers and radiologic technologists and their crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients using medical imaging techniques. It is also an opportunity to highlight the need for safe and effective imaging practices.
Invisible Light, Visible Medical Miracles!
When one meets with an accident and finds the leg or hand swollen, the fear of fractured limbs daunts. You rush to the hospital and insist on taking an X-ray to confirm whether there is a fracture. Often, it is despite the doctor indicating it may not be required. X-rays have become part of health care. Radiography has become an essential part of modern medicine. It helps healthcare professionals detect injuries, diseases (relating to respiratory), and other conditions accurately and precisely. It is the X-ray which aids in the diagnosis. One report puts the number of medical imaging investigations taken annually at ~ 4.2 billion, of which ~75 million are radiology procedures using X-rays.
World Radiography Day is observed every year on 8 November. It marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays in 1895. The observation is to raise awareness about radiographic imaging and therapy. These play a crucial role in the diagnosis, helping to provide appropriate treatment. Also, a large number of radiographers work to ensure the safety of their patients. It is to ensure that radiation exposure is kept to the minimum required. The radiographers themselves wear protective gear while handling X-rays. The observation also recognises the contributions of radiographers and radiologic technologists and their crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients using medical imaging techniques. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds are essential diagnostic tools in every hospital. It is also an opportunity to highlight the need for safe and effective imaging practices.
The discovery of X-rays was accidental. It was in 1895. When Prof Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen of the Wuerzburg University, Germany, was doing experiments in his laboratory, he found the rays emanating from the cathode tube. Rontgen realised that the rays could pass through human tissues, not bones and metal. Interestingly, he called his wife and filmed her hand. The films displayed the bones of his wife’s hand and the rink she was wearing. The process became radiography, and the rays were called X-rays. Very soon (in fact, the next month), medical personnel started using radiographs and found their way to battlefields to help many wounded soldiers.
Why are X-rays called X-rays?
Why are X-rays called X-rays? It is a curiosity many may have. Since Rontgen was not expecting the emission of these rays, and a surprise to him, he called them X-rays. Over the years, they continue to be called X-rays. The name X-rays stuck, although many of Rontgen’s colleagues suggested naming them Rontgen rays. The name remained, and they continued to be called X-rays.
Toons: Reema
Logs: M Sai Baba
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