X-ray Technicians
Find More About X-ray Technicians
X-ray technicians take and produce x-ray films of parts of a patient's body to be used in diagnosing medical problems, such as illnesses, broken bones and diseases. X-ray technicians also prepare patients for any radiologic examinations, explain the procedure to them and positions patients so that the body parts can be radiographed accurately.
During a radiologic examination, x-ray technicians ensure to prevent any unnecessary exposure to radiation by surrounding the patient's exposed area with radiation-protection equipments, such as lead shields, or by limiting the size of the x-ray beams.
The x-ray techs will position the equipment at a correct height and angle over the specific area of the patient's body. After measuring the thickness of the section needed to be radiographed, the x-ray technicians need to edit settings on the x-ray machines to produce radiographs with the correct detail, contrast and density. They will then place the x-ray film under the patient's body part needed to be examined so that the x-ray techs can make the exposure. The x-ray technicians will then remove the film and develop it.
Aside from taking and developing x-ray films, some x-ray technicians are responsible for administering non-radioactive materials into a patient’s bloodstream in order to diagnose his or her condition. Some x-ray technicians specialize in other diagnostic imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scans. MRI x-ray technicians operate machines that use radio waves and strong magnets to produce images, while CT x-ray techs produce cross-sectional images of the patient.
Senior x-ray technicians with extensive experience may perform complex imaging procedures, such as fluoroscopies. With fluoroscopies, the x-ray tech prepares a solution, which is a contrast medium, for the patient to drink, allowing doctors to see images of soft tissues in the patient's body.
All x-ray technicians are under the supervision of physicians. As such, they must follow doctor's orders precisely and conform to medical standards, professional ethics and regulations in the usage of radiation to protect themselves, the patients and other medical staff from unnecessary exposure.
