X-rays are used to look at bones without removing the skin.
X-rays are waves of light invisible to the human eye. They were discovered in 1895 and have become a valuable means of medical evaluation. They are used in the medical field very frequently to diagnose cavities, broken bones and more.
History
The use of X-rays came about in 1895 when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered them while experimenting with vacuum tubes. His first test subject was his wife. An X-ray exposure of her hand both frightened and captured the interest of the public. Roentgen called them "X" rays because they were unknown. In some German-speaking countries they are called Roentgen rays. Problems caused by X-rays began to gain notice in the early 20th century. Technologist and scientists who frequently used the rays for medicine and research were stricken with burns, cancerous tumors and lesions. These were caused by frequent direct exposure from the X-rays. X-rays are used today at a much safer and controlled capacity.
Identification
X-rays are wavelengths of light that are not visible to the human eye. X-rays have small wavelengths and a high amount of energy.
Function
X-rays are used extensively in the medical field. You may have experienced them at the hospital, doctor's office or dentist's office. The rays are shot in beams through a certain body part. The rays go through the body part and make a shadow on a special white film. Dense bone tissues block the rays while soft tissues like muscle and skin allow them to pass through. In a bone X-ray, for example, the bone is visible because the X-rays pass through all the skin and muscle and not the bone, leaving a shadow of the bone on the film to be examined.
Procedure
The procedure of using an X-ray medically is done by a technologist who is specially trained in radiology. First the patient should be positioned on an X-ray table. The film or digital recording plate is placed under the area to be X-rayed. A lead apron may be placed over the pelvic area or breasts if required to prevent damage to the body from radiation. The technologist will retreat behind a protective wall or barrier to take the X-ray image. The patient must remain very still to prevent blurring of the image. X-rays may be taken of areas that are not affected, for comparison. For example, if you are suspected of having broken your left leg, your right leg may be X-rayed as well to compare the legs. The procedure commonly takes about 10 minutes.
Warning
It is possible that X-rays cause or increase the risk of cancer. In 2005 the National Research Council concluded that even at low-dose levels, exposure to X-rays can increase the risk of cancer. Stanford University's Herbert L. Abrams claims "There appears to be no threshold below which exposure can be viewed as harmless." It comes down to risk versus benefit: patients must consult with their physician and weigh the risk and benefits of having an X-ray and decide what path of action to take.
Tags: X-rays used, body part, increase risk, increase risk cancer, medical field
