The x-ray examination is non-invasive and requires no recovery time. It delivers only a low dose of radiation, based on the general principle of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable). For example, an x-ray examination of your chest and lungs will expose you to roughly the same amount of radiation that you would receive from your environment in about a week.
Paul Taylor is Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Patient Navigation Advisor. This article is reprinted with permission from the Personal Health Navigator blog on Sunnybrook’s website.
When you broke your ankle on that ill-advised ski excursion last winter, who gave you the follow-up x-ray that helped confirm it was only a sprain? The person who completed the imaging procedure probably wore a white lab coat and looked a bit like a doctor, but was actually a Radiologic Technologist (aka Radiographer). These technicians operate diagnostic equipment to capture images of patient’s internal structures. They explain procedures, position patients, protect them from unnecessary exposure to radiation and record results. They collaborate with doctors to assist in diagnosis and treatment, and find the work fascinating and satisfying.
