How Do Digital X-Ray Systems Actually Work?

How do digital x-ray systems actually work? Find out from Healthtech, Inc., the industry leading supplier of x-ray supplies and chiropractic equipment.
WILMINGTON, N.C. - April 17, 2014 - PRLog -- How Do Digital X-Ray Systems Actually Work?

Of all of the scientific breakthroughs that have been instrumental in advancing today's medical practices, none has a bigger impact than that of the digital x-ray system. Discovered accidentally in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen, x-rays have become an almost universal first-phase testing tool used to help doctors diagnose, identify, and treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions.

But, what exactly are "x-rays," and how can these rays see through the skin to the bones underneath? How has this breakthrough changed over the years? Here, we take a look at how these systems actually work.

What Exactly is an X-Ray?

X-rays are essentially the same type of rays as light and radio rays, but with two primary exceptions. X-rays have shorter wavelengths and higher energy levels. Both visible light rays and x-rays are produced by the movement of electrons, which occupy different energy levels, or orbitals, around the nucleus of an atom.

How Do X-Rays Differentiate Bone From Soft Tissue?

When the electron drops to a lower orbital, it releases energy in the form of a photon. The strength of the proton is decided by how far the electron has dropped between orbitals. As the released photons collide with other atoms, the atoms absorb the photon's energy by moving an electron to a higher level. The photon is only absorbed when its energy level matches the energy difference between the atom's two electron positions. If the photon's energy level is too high or too low, it won't be able to move the electrons between the orbitals so it can't be absorbed.

The energy level of the photons in visible light rays are easily absorbed by the tissues in the human body, but, the energy level of the photons in x-rays are simply too high for the body to absorb, so they flow through the body. However, as the x-rays flow through the body, a high-energy photon can actually knock an electron away from an atom, especially when the atom is small. Larger atoms are more likely to absorb the x-ray photon because they have greater energy differences between their orbitals.

The soft tissue of the human body is comprised mainly of small atoms, so they do not absorb the photons found in x-rays. But, the atoms found in the calcium in the bones are significantly larger, thus allowing them to absorb the photons in x-rays. This absorption is what allows x-rays to display bone and not soft tissue.

If a physician wants to use x-rays to examine blood vessels or organs in the body, a contrasting media must be introduced to the body. The contrasting media is a liquid that is either ingested or injected into the body. The liquid, which is usually a barium compound, is able to absorb the photons in the x-rays better than the surrounding soft tissue.

Healthtech, Inc. Has Today's Most Advanced Digital X-Ray Systems Available for Less

Healthtech, Inc. is an industry leader in the sales of digital x-ray system, chiropractic equipment, and medical diagnostic supplies and accessories. We have the latest technology in x-ray equipment available for less. We carry everything from the Bennett Imager and the Quantum Chiro DX to the iCRco 3600. Our online store even offers special pricing on certain items. Call us today at 877-570-8324 to speak with one of our experienced sales representatives and get the advanced diagnostic equipment your office needs at a price you can afford.

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