German Physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first discovered x-rays in 1895. Since Roentgen’s discovery, technological advancements in image acquisition have ensured that x-ray imaging continues to play a central role in medical imaging.
At San Radiology, we have the latest GE Definium 8000 Digital X-Ray Suite, which was the first to be installed on Sydney’s North Shore. This new and exciting technology allows San Radiology to provide a faster and more efficient service to our patients and referring physicians. Digital x-ray technology has enabled San Radiology to significantly reduce out-patient waiting times as well as reducing radiation dose.
Generating the X-Ray Image
It surprises many people to learn that the x-ray image we look at is actually generated by light energy, not x-rays. In the early days of Radiology the x-ray image was recorded by placing an ordinary photographic film behind the patient. It took a lot of x-rays to make an image this way, resulting in a high radiation dose for patients. For many years now imaging cassettes have contained a film and a special built-in screen that converts the x-rays to light energy. Improvements in the sensitivity of the film and the screens have resulted in significant decreases in radiation dose. Modern screens were made from rare earth compounds that glowed green when hit with x-rays.
The very latest imaging systems are screen and film free. Instead a phosphor imaging plate stores the energy from the x-ray and it is then “read” by a laser that converts the stored energy into a digital signal. The images are then displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor. This system is known as either Computed Radiography (CR) or digital Radiography (DR). SAN Radiology utilises the latest generation CR and DR systems.
Both CR and DR technology provide superior image quality and detail over traditional x-ray techniques.
How X-Rays Interact With The Body
An x-ray image is similar in some ways to a shadow. When xrays pass through the body they make a shadow image of bones and flesh on the film or phosphor plate. Where the x-rays pass through a body part unobstructed it is black on the image. Different structures in the body differentially absorb or block the path of the x-ray beam. These are seen as a range of grey to white shades on the image depending on the density of the structure. An example of this is on a chest x-ray where the lungs appear very dark compared to the structures of the heart and spine which appear whiter. This demonstrates the different density of these structures.
General X-Ray Appointments
At San Radiology it is not necessary to make an appointment for a plain x-ray. Appointments are required for all other procedures. Please always remember to bring your referral along with relevant previous images for comparison. A current referral from your Doctor is required for all x-rays and procedures at San Radiology.
Further Information
We ask that you contact San Radiology Bookings on 02 9487 9850 if you have any enquiries or email radiologycustomerliaison@sah.org.au.
