Role of a Radiographer

Radiographers use x-rays to create images of body parts and organs for diagnostic purposes. The role of a radiographer varies depending on what type of x-ray the patient needs. Types of images a radiographer produces include x-ray, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI and ultrasound. Radiographers play an important role in detecting disease and broken bones.

X-ray

• To take an x-ray, the radiographer must position the patient's body and explain the procedure. The x-ray machine takes internal pictures that allow the radiographer to look through tissues and examine bones. The radiographer can also locate foreign objects and look through body cavities.

Fluoroscopy

• A fluoroscope machine produces images in the digestive system. This is used with a live motion x-ray machine. A radiographer can also investigate blood vessels using an angiograph machine.

Computed Tomography

• A computed tomography, or CT, is used by the radiographer to create 3D images of the internal body. These images can be split into slices and can show detailed areas of the body. CT scans assist doctors in diagnosing cancer and other diseases.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Radiographers use the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine to create a 3D map of tissues within the body. MRI machines build a 2D or 3D map of different tissue types within the body. The radiographer can determine if the tissue is normal or abnormal.

Ultrasound

• The ultrasound machine is used to check circulation and examine organs such as the heart. It uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the internal body. A radiographer can also use the ultrasound machine to observe the health of an unborn baby.