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Digital Radiography Analysis

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Since the evolution from conventional to digital radiography the radiation dose to patients have been significantly decreased. The radiation dose was not given much thought during the beginning of conventional x-rays, as in conventional radiography the radiographer would expose the patient and then would have to process the film in a dark room before he/she would know whether the x-ray is acceptable or not, with digital they can see immediately and adjust exposure in post-processing. Although this is not ideal, because it can become time consuming, it is still a better alternative than exposing the patient again. Digital radiography systems have the new flat panel detectors that are similar to the film-screen system and can be substituted for …show more content…

(Patel, 2005, p. 5) The representation of almost all the anatomical structures and image quality were ranked predominant in digital radiography. (Martin Uffmann M. U.-P., 2005) The equilibrium between the radiation exposure and image quality is more flexible for digital radiography than film-screen. (Martin Uffmann C. S.-P., 2009) Radiographers are the last defence against high exposures and they must thus apply the ALARA principle at all times. Collimation is the responsibility of the radiographer. (Martin Uffmanna, 2009) However, in digital systems it allows radiographers to collimate more if needed in post-processing. Collimating after exposure means that the radiographer can collimate even more to the anatomy of interest. This means contrast can be specifically optimised to the area of interest. (J. Bomer, 2013) Collimation is extremely important, because it helps to minimize the exposure to anatomy that is not of interest. As technology has improved so has our knowledge on radiation and the effects it can have on the body. Radiographers are more aware of protecting the patients with shielding, when the projection allows it. Soft pads

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