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Conventional radiographs, based on “xrays” discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1896, are still the initial radiological investigation in many areas of medicine.
ARG is at the forefront of utilisation of modern developments in radiography, with state of the art DR systems in service at our large branches in Remuera and Northern Clinic, as well as advanced CR systems at most other branches. This technology allows immediate generation of a digital image, analogous to use of modern digital photographic cameras, resulting in many advantages:
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image quality |
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reduction in exam time/fewer repeat films |
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reduction in xray dose |
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no chemicals or processing |
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images are immediately available over our secure network
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can be reviewed and reported quickly by specialist radiologists |
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available on webComrad for review by referrers/accessible in theatres/rooms |
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available on CD |
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Other specialised features include tomography, subtraction and stitching images together (particularly whole spine and long leg studies).
Safety and Dose Issues
Everyone is aware that ionising radiation can be dangerous. People exposed to atomic bomb blasts and nuclear accidents have developed cancer as a result. These concerns must be tempered by an understanding of the relatively minute doses of radiation from medical imaging.
Medical radiation accounts for only about 10% of the total radiation we receive during our lifetime, with the majority from “background radiation”, mainly from the sun but also from the rocks and soil of the earth itself. The radiation exposure with a chest xray is about one tenth of the dose received from background radiation in a year.
Although there are no measurable ill effects from the small doses of radiation involved in medical imaging, we are very conscious of the need to keep exposure to a minimum. Because the unborn child may be more at risk we advise against the use of xrays during pregnancy. Whenever possible we shield the ovaries and testicles from the xray beam.
Most importantly, xrays are only performed for significant medical reasons, where the potential benefit far exceeds any potential risk from the procedure. In addition, modern quality assurance standards with respect to equipment servicing and monitoring are rigidly adhered to.
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Digital IVU Tomogram
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Standard DR Knee
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Standard DR Chest
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