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Medical radiography is a broad term that covers several types of studies that require the visualization of the internal parts of the body using x-ray techniques. For the purposes of this page radiography means a technique for generating and recording an x-ray pattern for the purpose of providing the user with a static image(s) after termination of the exposure. It is differentiated from fluoroscopy, mammography, and computed tomography which are discussed elsewhere. Radiography may also be used during the planning of radiation therapy treatment. It is used to diagnose or treat patients by recording images of the internal structure of the body to assess the presence or absence of disease, foreign objects, and structural damage or anomaly. During a radiographic procedure, an x-ray beam is passed through the body. A portion of the x-rays are absorbed or scattered by the internal structure and the remaining x-ray pattern is transmitted to a detector so that an image may be recorded for later evaluation. The recoding of the pattern may occur on film or through electronic means. Radiography is used in many types of examinations and procedures where a record of a static image is desired. Some examples include
Radiography is a type of x-ray procedure, and it carries the same types of risks as other x-ray procedures. The radiation dose the patient receives varies depending on the individual procedure, but is generally less than that received during fluoroscopy and computed tomography procedures. The major risks associated with radiography are the small possibilities of
When an individual has a medical need, the benefit of radiography far exceeds the small cancer risk associated with the procedure. Even when radiography is medically necessary, it should use the lowest possible exposure and the minimum number of images. In most cases many of the possible risks can be reduced or eliminated with proper shielding.
Laws, Regulations & Performance Standards Manufacturers of electronic radiation emitting products sold in the United States are responsible for compliance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), Chapter V, Subchapter C - Electronic Product Radiation Control. Manufacturers of diagnostic x-ray products are responsible for compliance with all applicable requirements of Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (Subchapter J, Radiological Health) Parts 1000 through 1005: 1003 - Notification of defects or failure to comply 1004 - Repurchase, repairs, or replacement of electronic products 1005 - Importation of electronic products In addition, fluoroscopy products must comply with radiation safety performance standards in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (Subchapter J, Radiological Health) Parts 1010 and 1020 : 1010 - Performance standards for electronic products: general 1020.30 - Diagnostic x-ray systems and their major components 1020.31 - Radiographic equipment 1020.32 - Fluoroscopic equipment (for spot film devices) Because they are medical devices, radiographic equipment must also comply with the medical device regulations. For more information, see Getting to Market with a Medical Device.
Updated March 17, 2009 |
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