The Tools Xray Technicians Use

Also known as radiologic technologists, an Xray technician’s main job is to take detailed pictures of the patient so the physician can diagnose and treat a patient with accuracy. College programs vary for this profession from one to four years. With a two-year degree and in most states a required license, a person is ready to work as an Xray technician. Some of the many offices an Xray tech may work in is the hospital, dentist office, or the clinic. The main tool utilized in this profession is an Xray machine.

An Xray machine uses electromagnetic waves to take pictures of a patient’s area of study. Based on density, the Xrays are able to penetrate through skin and adipose tissue, and reflect off more dense objects such as bones. Therefore when radiologists are looking at the computer screen or the film of pictures, objects like bones and teeth will show up white and the things like skin won’t appear. The physician will interpret the pictures to note any inconsistencies. Xray technicians are responsible for the safety of themselves and the patient, and the quality of the pictures sent to the physician. If a person is interested in doing more than working with an Xray machine, here are some exciting tools that a specialized Xray tech can use:

• Computed tomography, also known as a CT scan. The patient lies on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, and it takes detailed pictures of different parts of the body. Many pictures are taken, and then saved into a group on the computer. CT scans are used to view the liver, pancreas, arms, legs, chest, and urinary tract, to name a few. This gives physicians the opportunity to look deeper and see if the organs are functioning properly and if there are any problems with it.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging, also commonly known as a MRI, is a test that done to look for abnormal bleeding, tumors, infection or injury. The patient lies on a table, and is slid into a hallow tube called the MRI scanner. Many times the patient has some straps placed on them to ensure they lie very still, with one of them used to monitor their breathing. MRI scanners use radio wave energy, a magnetic field, and a computer to take extremely detailed pictures of the body and the blood vessels.

• Mammography unit is a machine that is used exclusively for taking pictures of the breast. It uses low-level radiation, and can take pictures from many angles. Mammograms are used to screen for risk factors related to breast cancer, and can be used to show the physician what type of cancer is already present to provide more accurate treatment for the patient. Digital mammography uses electrical signals to put the pictures on a computer screen.

Xray technicians have a valuable job that is in high demand. This is a brief overview of the dynamic machines they work with, day to day.

Before you venture into a career as an x ray technician, it may be helpful to find out the positive and negative aspects so that you can make a keen decision whether you have to proceed or not.

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