X-ray radiography is used to diagnose many common health conditions, but there are certain dangers inherent in this approach. Exposure to x-rays must always be minimized for both patients and healthcare professionals, as too much of this high energy radiation can cause diseases like cancer.
Another important issue that must be accounted for in every case is that the images produced through the use of X-rays are susceptible to misinterpretation. In fact, many patients have even ended up worse off because doctors failed to recognize the appropriate orientation for X-ray images.
As a result, virtually all hospitals and clinics today mandate the use of Xray Markers supplied by companies like Kemper Medical. These simple accessories provide a truly important and valuable type of functionality that virtually rules out a range of potentially dangerous medical mistakes.
Ensuring Safer Imaging by Blocking the Transmission of X-rays
X-ray images produced for medical purposes are created by directing that type of electromagnetic radiation at the body of a patient. Denser parts of the body like bone, cartilage, and certain types of growths absorb more of the radiation than others. With the energy that is left being allowed used to fall upon photographic film positioned behind the patient, a fairly detailed and informative picture of the body’s internals can be developed.
In most cases, patients will also be equipped with lead-filled garments that are used to shield parts of the body that are not of pressing medical interest. The same material is also used to produce xray markers that are placed in front of the film in suitable locations of their own.
These specially shaped accessories are most often employed to create a permanent, inalterable record of the orientation of the X-ray image that is being developed. A simple indication that a designated side of the resulting film corresponds to the left or right part of a patient’s body will make potentially harmful diagnostic mistakes a lot less likely in the future.
A Highly Cost Effective Solution to a Real Problem
Despite serving such an important purpose, x-ray markers are available at extremely affordable prices. As a result, many hospitals and clinics require that they be used not just to detail the orientation of X-ray images but to add other types of information, as well.
This simple, effective way of making X-rays more informative and reliable inevitably benefits both patients and their doctors. While X-ray technology is almost inherently useful and valuable, lead-based markers help make it even more so.
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