World Radiography Day (WRD) is observed annually on November 8th to honour the groundbreaking discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. The day, first celebrated in 2007 by the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT), has become a global event. In 2012, the European Society of Radiology (ESR), the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) came together to coordinate the first major celebration of the day.
Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (picture courtesy of Wikipedia )
WRD highlights the essential role of radiographers in modern healthcare and promotes key areas such as radiation safety, patient care, career development in radiography, and advancements in diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy.
Milestones in the Evolution of Radiography:
Discovery of X-rays: In 1895, German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen made the revolutionary discovery of X-rays, which transformed the practice of medicine. For his discovery, Röntgen became the first recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
X-ray Tubes: Shortly after Röntgen’s discovery, engineers developed the first X-ray tubes for medical use, enabling the practical application of X-ray imaging in healthcare.
X-rays in Therapy: In the early 20th century, X-rays were initially used for therapeutic purposes, such as the treatment of skin diseases.
Computed Tomography (CT): Sir Godfrey Hounsfield invented the X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner in 1967 at EMI Central Research Laboratories, an invention for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1979. The first patient brain scan was performed in 1971 at Atkinson Morley Hospital in Wimbledon, south London. The development of CT revolutionized radiology and especially brain imaging by providing cross-sectional views of the body.
Digital Radiography: The introduction of digital radiography in the late 1990s and 2000s allowed for faster image acquisition and processing, greatly improving workflow in medical imaging. It also reduced the radiation dose to which patients were exposed compared to screen-film radiography.
Digital Mammography: The first full-field digital mammography system, the GE Senographe 2000 D, was approved by the FDA in 2000 and its introduction was followed by other digital FFDM systems, which improved workflow and reduced radiation dose in screening mammography.
Recent Digital Advancements: Modern technologies have brought innovations like AI-assisted image interpretation, dual-energy imaging, and tomosynthesis, which enhance image quality and reduce the need for retakes.
Key Applications and Innovations which Spectrum Logic X-ray detectors are used in:
Fluoroscopy: This technique combines low noise and high gain to provide high-quality images at low radiation doses, making it ideal for interventional radiography procedures.
Dental X-rays: Modern dental X-ray systems offer both panoramic and CT capabilities, enabling clearer and more comprehensive imaging of dental structures. High resolution CMOS sensors enable digital Intraoral sensors that have become a ubiquitous tool for dental examinations.
Pre-Clinical Imaging: High-resolution imaging techniques are used to study soft tissue samples in research settings, advancing our understanding of diseases and treatments.
Pathology: High resolution CMOS detectors are used to image pathology specimens in 2D and now in 3D.
These ongoing advancements underscore the continuous growth and importance of radiography in medicine, science, and industry. Radiographers continue to play a vital role in diagnosing and treating patients, and World Radiography Day serves as a reminder of their contributions to improving healthcare worldwide.
If you want to know more about our CMOS X-ray detectors – Spectrum Logic’s Chairman will be attending the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America December 1st - 4th in Chicago – contact us if you want to set up a meeting at the event.