Did you know that one of the most revolutionary
biomedical devices was unintentionally discovered?
Good morning sir and peers, today I’ll be informing
you about the remarkable invention of X-ray imaging.
First observed in 1895 whilst testing the effect of
cathode rays, physicist Wilhelm Roentgen detected a
new form of radiation, using it to capture the world’s
first X-ray image of his wife’s hand.
As early as 1896, X-rays were being used in surgery
and medical diagnosis, for which they are still used
today.
As the X-ray developed, its applications amplified;
evident with the invention of the fluoroscopy also in
1896, the mammogram in 1913 and the CT scan, later,
in 1971.
By the mid-1980s, a profound development came with
the introduction of digital radiography, rapidly
replacing traditional film, as images could be obtained
instantly.
Today, AI technology is used to analyse X-ray images,
diagnosing problems and abnormal details, potentially
missed by the human eye.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that
between 70 to 80% of diagnostic problems can be
resolved through the use of X-rays, as they involve a
non-invasive and painless procedure that can view
internal tissues, bones and organs, monitor the
progression of a diagnosed disease or injury and
support surgical operations.
Conversely, X-rays can lack information as they do
not provide a 3-dimensional image, and they may
cause damage or mutations to the DNA. Despite this,
the benefits associated with X-ray imaging far
outweigh its risks.
In Australia, X-ray costs are partially, if not, fully
covered by Medicare insurance, given that the test is
deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.
Exceptions to Medicare coverage include X-rays
required for chiropractic or dental care.
So what is an X-ray image? An X-ray image is
essentially a 2-dimensional shadow of the internal
structures of the body. For example, if this torch
emitted X-rays, and this whiteboard was an X-ray
detector, then I would be able to produce an image of
my hand similar to this:
VA1
An X-ray machine comprises three primary
components: the generator, the object or sample, and
the detector.
The X-ray generator consists of an X-ray tube––a
vacuum containing both an anode and a cathode. It
operates as shown in this video:
VA2
The object or sample. When X-rays collide with the
electrons in your body, they attenuate the X-ray
energy. Collisions are more likely to occur when a
material is dense or has a high atomic number. That’s
why an X-ray beam will pass through the soft tissue in
your lungs far easier than the calcium in your bones.
So, using this diagram as a guide, we can analyse this
chest X-ray, identifying bone, muscle and air.
VA3
The X-ray detector measures the flux, spatial
distribution and properties of incoming X-rays.
Nowadays, radiologists utilise digital radiography
techniques, producing computerised images instantly,
when X-ray photons hit a detector and convert to an
electrical charge.
Materials:
For an X-ray tube, the anode is made of tungsten and
the cathode is made of a tungsten filament––an alloy
of tungsten and other soft metals, such as mercury.
Tungsten is used due to its significantly high melting
point––of around 3400℃––and high conductivity.
Additionally, the X-ray tube is lined with a metal
casing which covers a lead shield, as seen in the
image. Lead is utilised due to its high density,
ultimately reducing radiation exposure for patients
and radiologists.
Moreover, the X-ray generator houses a cooling
system which uses either water or oil as a coolant
liquid, as both are suitable electric insulators.
Introduced in the early 2000s, selenium is now
utilised for commercial X-ray detectors due to its high
spatial resolution and X-ray absorbing properties.
The product life for an X-ray machine will vary
drastically depending on its design, operation and
maintenance. On average, X-ray tubes last between 3
and 7 years, whilst the detector will last between 5
and 6 years. An X-ray machine’s primary points of
failure occur in the X-ray tube.
Across all Australian states and territories, it is
required that all imaging facilities obtain a valid
radiation certificate of compliance, and that X-ray
machines are serviced annually.
On the whole, X-ray imaging continues to serve
billions of people worldwide, rendering them with
improved healthcare and an enhanced quality of life.
