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This significant medical discovery day is a reminder of the pivotal role radiography technology plays in modern healthcare.
Radiography is a ground-breaking discovery that revolutionised the field of healthcare and medicine. (Image: Shutterstock)
World Radiography Day is celebrated every year on November 8 to mark the discovery of X-rays. This important development in medicine has changed healthcare by making it possible to identify a wide range of health issues. The day also honours the hard work of radiographers and radiologists worldwide for their role in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Radiography involves using radiation to create images of the body’s tissues, organs, bones and blood vessels, which are essential for patient diagnosis and treatment.
World Radiography Day 2024: Theme
The theme for World Radiography Day this year is “Radiographers: Seeing the Unseen.” This theme highlights how radiographers help find hidden health problems. These professionals use imaging equipment to create images that aid in diagnosis and often support patients during stressful procedures.
The theme also shows that many health issues may go undetected without the help of radiographic imaging which is why radiographers are essential for effective medical care.
World Radiography Day 2024: History
World Radiography Day marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895 at Wuerzburg University in Germany. He discovered X-rays by accident while working with a cathode-ray tube in his lab. This important discovery was quickly recognised and within a month, doctors in Europe and the United States began using X-rays for medical diagnoses.
Just six months later, X-rays were used to help injured soldiers during war. In 1896, John Hall-Edwards was the first person to use X-rays in surgery. World Radiography Day was first celebrated on November 8, 2007, by the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists which coincided with the anniversary of Roentgen’s discovery of X-rays.
World Radiography Day 2024: Who Are Radiographers?
Radiographers are skilled professionals who operate radiographic equipment and work closely with patients. They play a vital role in the healthcare system by ensuring the safe and accurate acquisition of diagnostic images. Radiographers must adhere to strict safety protocols to minimise radiation exposure to patients and themselves.
World Radiography Day 2024: Significance
World Radiography Day is an important occasion to recognise the field of radiography and the essential role of radiographers in healthcare. The day also sheds light on how medical imaging is important in today’s healthcare system. It aims to encourage people for regular medical check-ups without giving them a scare.
World Radiography Day 2024: All You Need To Know
What Is An X-Ray?
An X-ray is a medical imaging technique that uses radiation to capture images of the inside of the body. While commonly associated with diagnosing broken bones or dental issues, X-rays can also identify various injuries, disorders and diseases.
Different Types Of X-Rays
Various types of X-rays are used to examine different parts of the body. Common types include abdominal X-rays for the digestive system, bone X-rays for fractures, chest X-rays for lung problems, dental X-rays for teeth, head X-rays for skull issues and spine X-rays for spinal conditions.
How Do X-Rays Work?
X-rays function by directing beams of radiation through the body to an X-ray detector. The radiation is invisible and painless. As it passes through, dense materials like bones absorb more radiation which appears white on the image, while softer tissues can be seen in shades of gray. A radiologist then analyses the image and provides a report to the referred physician.
