Essay Sample on Digital Radiography

Introduction

Radiography is an imaging technique which uses X-rays to display the inner form of an object. To generate the image, a shaft of X-rays, a form of electromagnetic emission, are yielded by an X-ray generator and are cast toward the object. A precise amount of X-ray is taken in by the object, counting on its mass and structural composition. The X-rays that travel through the thing are captured behind it by either a photographic film or a digital detector. The production of flat 2D images by this method is known as projection radiography. Computed radiography is also a method of X-ray generation, where computerized X-ray detectors are applied instead of conventional pictorial film (Drost, 2011).

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Thus digital radiography refers to a method of generating images of radiographs by use of a computer. Indirect methods of getting digital images include either taking a traditional radiograph that is then computerized using a data input equipment or making the exposure on a photo duplicating phosphor plate followed by sending the latent image to a computer (Drost, 2011). The direct-to-digital device uses either charge-coupled equipment or a corresponding metal oxide semiconductor detector as data equipment that transfers the x-ray image directly to a computer. This is the most noncomplex and time-saving method in place.

Most modern x-ray machines are in harmony with most digital hardware and software packages. However, before buying either a new x-ray machine or a new digital sensor and software system, one should make sure that the x-ray machine is capable of short enough exposure times for the digital equipment. Older x-ray machines cannot be used with digital sensors because most digital systems require exposure settings as low as 0.02 second for small patients (Drost, 2011).

Digital radiography like any other technological invention by man has advantages and disadvantages. The benefits of computed radiography over traditional radiography are many. The first advantage of digital radiography is that dissemination of X-ray pictures to different individuals in different areas is now possible (Bansal, 2006). By use of Internet connection and Compact Disks, it is possible for emergency facilities, hospitals, and private practices to share imaging data at the same time. Secondly, Image cataloging has improved with Digital Radiography. Photos can now be stocked and retrieved from a host in the absence of a dedicated room to store films, which can be lost (Bansal, 2006).

Thirdly the toxic chemicals of a darkroom are things of the past with computed radiography. In addition, it offers a wide range of exposures for an acceptable photo, as a result, it reduces the number of retakes for over- and underexposure. Another advantage of digital photography is that it reduces the cost of disposing of the films and chemicals and expense for processor maintenance, film jackets and storage space that are usually used in conventional x-ray technique. Finally, it improves the contrast resolution, as a result, it allows for exquisite detail in an evaluation of body organs from lungs to bones (Bansal, 2006).

Although digital radiography offers many advantages over conventional radiography, as with any new technology there is a steep learning curve, and good technical support services are mandatory. The system itself is more costly than conventional systems thus it's very expensive. Lastly, the ability to enhance photos means there is a likely hood of over interpretation as structures are displayed at a much broader scale than with traditional radiography

References

Drost, W. (2011). Transitioning to digital radiography. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 21(2), 137-143. Doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00611.x

Bansal, G. (2006). Digital Radiography. A comparison with modern conventional imaging. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 82(969), 425-428. Doi: 10.1136/pgmj.2005.038448