Role of Radiography

Radiography is a medical process that is used to generate images of internal tissues and organs using ionizing radiation, or X-rays. Medical professionals use radiography to diagnose medical conditions, as well as to treat them, in specific circumstances. Related imaging techniques used in medical practices include tomography, mammography and angiography.

Applications

• Doctors use the technology of radiography to diagnose and treat ailments. When used for diagnosis, radiography makes use of specialized equipments and technologies to generate and display images of organs inside the body. Medical professionals can compare these images with images of a normal, functioning organ to determine the probable cause of a condition. X-ray is a widely application of radiography, in which the images can be filmed on a special paper, or generated as a computer image. In special circumstances, radiography technologies can also be used to treat certain malignant conditions, such as tumors.

Professionals

• A medical doctor specializing in radiography is known as a radiologist, and is usually involved in diagnostic imaging. Radiologists can be general, or specialized in a particular sub-field. A radiologic technologist assists the radiologist, and is an important member of the medical personnel team. A radiologic technologist is also responsible for creating images for diagnosis, and conducting radiation therapy procedures to treat malignant conditions. To be a radiologic technologist, a student is trained in core radiography areas, such as anatomy, positioning, safety, protection and patient care.

Specializations

• Radiologists and radiologic technologists may specialize in a specific subdivision within the field. Sonography is a diagnostic medical tool that uses high frequency sound (ultrasound) to form dynamic images of internal organs. Another specialization, bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of X-ray that measures bone loss over time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also a radiographic technique, and uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of body tissues and organs. The MRI is used to detect location and extent of injuries. Other common specializations may include nuclear medicine, cardiovascular interventional radiography and general radiography.

Responsibilites

• Duties of a radiologic technologist include operating equipment used in X-rays and in processing images. A radiographer is also responsible to position patients for diagnostic examinations, as certain tests require patients to be orientated a certain manner, for best results. The radiographer also has to assess the optimum exposure factors to achieve the best radiographic image quality, while minimizing exposure to the patient.

Career Prospects

• Qualified radiologic technologists are educated on the field and are extensively trained. The profession calls for dynamism, independence and critical thinking skills. Radiologic technologists usually work for hospitals, medical centers, clinics, private practices and the military. The profession is respected as being part of an allied health-care team, with realistic scope for advancement. Key jobs in radiography are in cardiovascular technology and techniques, nuclear medicine technology and diagnostic medical sonography, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.