Back to Basics: Radiographic Imaging System Technical Concepts, Equipment, and Functionality

George Tsoukatos, BPS, R.T. (R)(ARRT)®*

^*Medical Imaging Consultant, Germantown, NY

Address correspondence to: George Tsoukatos, BPS, R.T. (R)(ARRT), Radiology Support Services, PO Box 215, Germantown, NY 12526. E-mail: radiologytechnique@gmail.com.

Disclosure Statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

ABSTRACT

Diagnostic radiography is one of the most often utilized imaging methods in medicine. Diagnostic X-rays are produced when highly energetic electrons interact with matter and convert their kinetic energy into electromagnetic radiation. To reach this stage of X-ray production, a diagnostic radiographic system (DRS) must have key operational internal and external components in place, each with a role to play in the final production of X-rays. In addition, many technical parameters of X-ray production equipment affect the magnitude and shape of the X-ray spectrum that's produced. X-ray quantity and shape are also affected by the atomic number of the anode material, tube potential, voltage waveform (generator type), and tube filtration (inherent and added). Understanding the basics of DRSs the equipment and its components is the foundation for radiologic technologists' (RTs') to be able to successfully complete high-quality imaging studies, with the goal of achieving accurate patient diagnosis and treatment. This course will explain the key physical components that make up a DRS, their function, circuitry, and interaction with each other. Reviews of the science, mathematics, and physics that make X-ray production possible will be explained. Key internal and external DRS components and the creation of X-ray ionizing radiation needed to form a diagnostic image will be explained and discussed in detail.

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