World Radiography Day 2021: The 8th of November is observed globally as World Radiography Day to commemorate Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s discovery of X-Rays. Read- Why are high-intensity exercises like CrossFit and HIIT beneficial?
While working with cathode rays in an evacuated glass bulb, Roentgen noticed that when current passed across the bulb, a barium platino-cyanide screen fluoresced; he also observed the effect of the phenomenon on photographic plates.
They also noticed that such invisible rays could pass through the body but not through bones, resulting in the formation of a shadow of the bones. The invisible, unknown rays were dubbed X-Rays. Radiographs were created in major cities around the world within three months of their discovery.
The invention of X-rays resulted in revolutionary changes in the field of medicine. As the use of X-rays increased, so did the development of a wide range of diagnostic modalities. X-ray, Computed Tomography, Mammography, Gamma Camera, Linear Accelerator, PET Scan, SPECT now MRI, PET MRI, and other imaging techniques. Radiology and imageology evolved into several sub-disciplines.
World Radiography Day is an annual international initiative designed to raise awareness and interest in the radiography profession. Also, to emphasize the significance of an essential function and to comprehend the most recent developments in this field. Radiology’s face has changed as a result of computerization. Traditional radiography has given way to computed radiography and digital radiography. The quality of radiographs has greatly improved in recent years.
The development of CT and MRI has transformed the role of a radiographer. In Radio-Diagnosis, MRI Scanning created a sense of reliance on the Radiographer. These modalities have elevated the Radiographer to the status of Technologist.
Because of technological advancements, the role of a radiographer has expanded and responsibilities for patient care and management have increased.
DSA and fusion imaging have been added to the Diagnostic Radiology department. With all of these advances in imaging technology, the accuracy and speed of disease diagnosis increased, as did the ease of diagnosis. X-ray technology is used not only in medical diagnosis and treatment, but also in industries to detect cracks in machinery, food technology to purify seeds and food, and airports to scan passengers. As a result, the use of X-rays increased.
It’s surprising how useful X-rays are. However, if they are not used correctly, they can have negative consequences. They were not aware of the harmful effects at the time, so they were used indiscriminately, and many scientists who conducted experiments with X-rays died of cancer. As a result, statutory bodies such as the National Commission on Radiation Protection NCRP, the International Council on Radiation Protection ICRP, and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board AERB were established to raise awareness and control the indiscriminate use of these X-rays. They have recommended the doses as the maximum allowable for the general public, radiation workers, and students. It is 01 mSev/year for the general public and 20mSev/year for radiation workers. The MPD is the maximum amount of radiation that can be used without causing significant side effects. The MPD varies depending on the organ.
The Society of Indian Radiographers-SIR (Kashmir chapter) is working hard to bring all qualified technologists together on one platform, bringing radiation awareness programs and preventive measures. The Central Body of the Society of Indian Radiographers organizes national level conferences and workshops to keep technologists’ knowledge up to date.
The Kashmir chapter of the Society of Indian Radiographers will commemorate World Radiology Day on November 13th at Tagore Hall, with participation from all Radiographers from Associated Hospitals, the Health Department, and SKIMS Medical College.