The question of whether it is possible to do X-ray fluorography worries many people who are afraid to get a large dose of radiation. Despite the fact that modern diagnostic methods in most cases do not have a negative effect on the body, citizens still need to know about all the nuances of the upcoming procedures.
So, x-ray and fluorography: what is the difference?
Differences
The main technical difference between this method and digital fluorography is the various equipment and the research method itself. As part of the first procedure, the final image, as a rule, is formed in the form of an image obtained on film, which makes this technique somewhat more expensive and longer in terms of time spent than fluorography.
Among other things, with an X-ray, the radiation load will be greater, but the information content is higher. To undergo an X-ray examination, it is necessary to have a referral from a doctor, which is not necessary for digital diagnostics.
Is it possible to do fluorography after x-ray?
X-rays are considered one of the most accurate and informative methods for studying the human skeleton, soft tissue and internal organs. True, such an examination is directly related to obtaining a certain dosage of radiation. Usually it is not very large, but can accumulate.
A dose of 50 millisievert per year is considered hazardous to health, while when the body performs fluorography, it is obtained from 0.05 to 0.5. A person acquires a comparable amount of radiation in one month from natural sources. When conducting x-rays on the body, a load of up to 8 millisievert appears, depending on the examination method and the analyzed area.
Is it possible to do fluorography after x-ray, many are interested. Specialists try to withstand a certain period of time, after which, after an X-ray, the patient can also do fluorography. In special cases, both surveys are prescribed on the same day.
When are both of these types of diagnostics prescribed on the same day?
It sometimes happens that after fluorography was sent for x-ray, then the examined people have a legitimate question about why this happens at all. Both methods are associated with a small dose of radiation. So why should a specialist after one procedure send the patient to another, almost identical to her?
This happens if the manipulations are carried out independently and the patient needs to immediately examine two different areas of the body. In such situations, a person is interested in the question of whether it is possible to do fluorography after an X-ray examination of the knee joint or mammography. In most examples, the medical response will be positive.
As part of the examination, the adult body will receive a small dose of radiation, and if for diagnostic purposes it is necessary to carry out fluorography and, for example, an x-ray of the hand in one day, then the doctor will be able to resolve both diagnoses at once.
The difference between x-ray and chest x-ray , the specialist will explain.
It should also be borne in mind that both techniques produce images of different definitions and have a distinctive resolution. It is far from always possible to make a diagnosis the first time, and patients sometimes have to go to both studies. In order to understand why this happens, it is necessary to understand in more detail, what is the difference between x-ray and fluorography.
What is radiography?
This is the name of the method for studying the internal structure of a certain region of the human body by means of x-rays with the subsequent registration of images on photographic film or on photographic paper, and, in addition, in the memory of a digital medium. The technique is not associated with obtaining a significant dose of radiation to the body, it is relatively inexpensive and has great accuracy.
The fact is that its resolution reaches 0.5 mm or more, while the indicator increases along with a decrease in the studied area. Therefore, specialists after fluorography sometimes send patients to undergo an X-ray to obtain informative images.
What pathologies are detected by x-rays?
X-rays are quite widely used in medicine for the diagnosis of various diseases, pathologies and abnormalities of almost all internal parts of the body and organs. To analyze diverticulums, ulcers, gastritis, tumors and intestinal obstruction, a digestive system is examined.
A chest x-ray is done to diagnose tumor and infectious diseases. This procedure is often prescribed in the study of the internal organs of the abdominal region and the genitourinary sphere, various glands, as well as teeth. In addition, it remains one of the basic examination technologies in the process of diagnosing ailments of the skeletal and articular systems of the body. Now we find out when such a method of analysis is not advisable to use.
Contraindications for radiography
Given the fact that this method is directly related to the body receiving a certain dose of ionizing radiation, people often wonder if such a diagnosis can be made and what are the contraindications?
There are a number of absolute prohibitions to keep in mind. X-rays are not done during pregnancy, especially in the initial trimester. The fact is that during the formation period the fetus is especially vulnerable, and the action of radiation can harm its proper development.
Also, X-ray fluorography on the same day is not recommended for patients in serious condition. A weakened body can simply not withstand the load. They also try not to prescribe this in the presence of pneumothorax, thyroid pathologies, diabetes, pulmonary and pleural bleeding and some other diseases.
Fluorography: what is it?
This is not such an informative method, which is x-ray. It, as a rule, is used for screening (conducting a mass examination) to detect hidden pathological changes in the body in patients. Therefore, after the establishment of certain signs of anomaly in the process of fluorography, the patient can be sent for x-ray in order to obtain more detailed information.
What do fluorographic images reveal?
This technique can be carried out as part of a routine survey. True, with some symptoms, the procedure is prescribed by a doctor. Often it is done to those patients who complain of fever along with sweating, fatigue, weakness and a severe, chest cough. The examination can detect tuberculosis, or bronchitis, and, in addition, cancer and ailments in the bones of the chest.
How many times can fluorography be done? It is recommended no more than once a year.
Contraindications
The prohibitions for performing this diagnosis are the same as for X-rays. In addition, such an examination should not be done for those patients who cannot maintain an upright position, which is associated with the features of the corresponding procedure.
X-ray or X-ray - which is better?
The most informative is x-rays. Such a technique is better suited to confirm or to refute a specific pathology and as part of the dynamic tracking of the disease process. But fluorography, in turn, is safer.
We examined whether X-ray fluorography can be done.