Let's start with a little history lesson.
In 1895, a German physicist was experimenting with electricity in a vacuum when he stumbled upon a discovery he wasn’t looking for. As the electrons in his experiment moved through a tube, they bumped into each other, setting off a particular type of light that scientists hadn't yet discovered on the ray spectrum. While we now know them as X-rays, this physicist didn't yet have a word for these unknown rays, choosing to call them X-rays - or unknown rays.
Since the unprecedented discovery of the X-ray, physicists have discovered ways to harness this light in a way that allows doctors to take a closer look at what is happening inside our bodies. That's where Maven Imaging comes in! In this article, we will explore how an X-ray machine operates and the steps that occur in the X-ray machine to create an image.
Think of it this way: X-ray machines are like giant cameras that use electromagnetic radiation to capture images of the internal body. They have two main parts that allow them to operate: the X-ray generator and the image detection system.
The X-ray generator is made up of four components that work together to generate the X-ray. This includes the X-ray tube, the high-voltage generator, the control console, and the cooling system. The X-ray tube contains a tube cathode or filament that creates a current of electrons.
The high-voltage generator is between the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube and creates a high-voltage potential. The control console contains adjustable controls that regulate the tube amperage, voltage, and exposure time. Likewise, the cooling system uses a water or oil recirculation system responsible for cooling the anode. The image detection system captures the image generated by the X-ray generator.
Now that we're familiar with the parts of the X-ray machine and how it operates, we can take a closer look at how it generates an image. First, the X-ray tube generates a very concentrated beam of electrons. These electrons interact with an anode in the X-ray tube to produce X-ray photons. Next, the X-ray photons will travel through the air until they come into contact with a material.
The density of the material the X-ray photons contact will determine whether the X-ray can pass through. X-rays can pass through low-density materials but will be absorbed or blocked by higher-density ones. Low-density materials include the skin and organs, while denser materials include bones. When we see an X-ray image, the black areas represent the places where the X-ray passed through. The white areas represent the areas that absorbed the X-rays.
To produce an X-ray image, doctors and radiographers place the body of the area in question in the direct path of the X-rays - between the X-ray tube and the metal plate. The X-ray machine will capture the materials between the X-ray tube and the film.
X-ray machines are vital tools for medical imaging. This simple medical procedure is known as radiology. Radiology is a painless way for doctors to look inside the body without surgery or invasive procedures. Radiographs also allow doctors to diagnose diseases or cancers. Doctors use X-rays to look for bone fractures or breaks because of how clearly they can be seen on X-ray. Doctors can also look at other organs in the body, such as the lungs, heart, and intestines, by using the X-ray. X-ray machines help doctors make fast and accurate diagnoses daily.
If you're considering purchasing an X-ray machine for your medical practice, Maven Imaging would happily guide you through this process. Either fill out a form directly on our website or give us a call to discuss your options. Our experts are here to support you through this sometimes overwhelming undertaking. And, we have financing options available to make purchasing X-ray equipment a seamless endeavor!