X-ray

<investigation> A type of irradiation used for imaging purposes that uses energy beams of very short wavelengths (0.1 to 1000 angstroms) that can penetrate most substances except heavy metals.

This is the commonest form of imaging technique used in clinical practice everywhere in the world with the image captured on photographic film.

An AP film is when the beams pass from front-to-back (anteroposterior) and is used for mobile film, particularly on the ward or in casualty. This is the oposite to a PA film (posteroanterior) in which the rays pass through the body from back-to-front. Most films taken in the main radiology department are PA.

(20 Jun 2000)


Terms mentioned in text: investigation, type, irradiation, imaging, uses, energy, beams, short, angstroms, penetrate, substances, except, heavy, metals, imaging, technique, clinical, practice, world, image, photographic, film, beams, pass, front, back, anteroposterior, casualty, posteroanterior, pass, through, body
Previous terms: xolloid metalloproteinase, x-omat, xo syndrome, x-point, x-pro aminopeptidase, x-ray computed tomography, x-ray crystallography, x-ray diffraction