An X-ray is a medical imaging technique that uses very small amounts of electromagnetic radiation to construct images of parts inside the body that can be viewed on film or digitally. X-rays are often performed to inspect bones and teeth, rendering them effective for diagnosing breaks, fractures, and diseases such as arthritis. Doctors may prescribe an X-ray to look at organs inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and breasts, and in the abdomen to evaluate the digestive tract.

What are X-rays?

A photographic or digital image of the internal composition of something, especially a part of the body, produced by X-rays being passed through it and being absorbed to different degrees by different materials. Everyone on earth is exposed to some amount of radiation. Radioactive material can be found naturally in air, soil, water, rocks, and vegetation. The greatest source of natural radiation for most people is radon. Moreover, the planet is continuously bombarded by cosmic radiation, which includes X-rays. These rays are not completely harmless but they are unescapable, and the radiation is at such low levels that its effects are virtually unnoticed.

German mechanical engineer and physicist Wilhelm Röntgen is credited with first producing and detecting electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays. Just weeks after he discovered that they could help visualize bones, X-rays were implemented in medical settings.

How does an X-ray machine work?

A minute amount of ionising radiation is passed through the patient’s body. Earlier, this went onto a sheet of special film. Currently, X-ray examinations are more likely to use a device that captures transmitted x-rays to create an electronic image. The calcium in the person’s bones blocks the passage of radiation, so healthy bones show up as white or grey. Radiation passes easily through air spaces, so healthy lungs can appear black.

What are the different types of X-ray machines?

Although there is an extensive range of machines of different size, power and manufacture, they may be divided into three main groups. They are: Fixed X-ray machines, Portable X-ray machines and Mobile X-ray machines.

Different types of x-ray machines are,

• Fixed x-ray machine
• Portable x-ray machine
• Dental x-ray machine
• Mobile x-ray machine
• Veterinery x-ray machine
• Analog Machine
• Digital Machine
• Fully Digital Machine

Fixed X-ray machines:

Fixed X-ray machines require transformers of such size and output that they have to be built into the room and provided with special electrical connections to the mains.

The cost of such apparatus normally restricts the equipment’s usage to teaching schools and research institutes.

Portable X-ray machines:

In Portable X-ray machines, the transformers are of small size and low weight. Portable x-ray machines can be the easiest to operate amongst all X-ray machines. Known for their intuitive and effectual design, Portable X-ray machines can also interface well with other technologies. High-quality images taken on these machines can be transferred instantly to the laptop which, in turn, can be sent to a medical facility. These functionalities can help cutting down on the time and expenses incurred by dark rooms and emergency vehicles.

The maximum output of a Portable X-ray machine varies from 70-110 kv and 15-35 mA.

Mobile X-ray machines:

Mobile X-ray machines have a higher output than portable x-ray machines owing to their larger transformers and are mounted on wheels with output of 90-125kv and 40 to 300mA. Most mobile x-ray machines are movable and convenient on the smooth surfaces within the radiology section.

These machines can be moved over level surfaces and, in most instances, operated from 13-15 A sockets.

How to select the right X-ray machine?

Many questions and challenges confound anyone who wants to buy a new X-Ray machine. While costs and financing are the major concerns, the question of the right technology or the right manufacturer also plays a key role. Power consumption and available power supply is an important factor to consider ,If you are buying an x-ray machine for the first time , the wise thing to do will be to consult a biomedical engineer to guide you send us a message now to get you on the right track.

As advancements continue in radiology equipment, medical establishments are finding it difficult to resist switching to a digital X-ray machine. These days, in order to function cost-effectively, modern equipment with high image quality and rapid processing is required. These requirements can be met in particular with Digital X-Ray equipment, even if the conversion of analog devices provides similarly effective results.

How much do X-ray machines cost?

Modern X-Ray devices are indispensable for efficient imaging diagnostics in every medical establishment. The prices for a new, digital X-ray device usually range from around  1M to somewhere near 100M .

Generally, digital X-Ray machines are more expensive as compared to analog basic models. For the best X-ray machine prices, explore the widest collection of Medical devices and equipment on mybigpharmacy

Due to the reasons documented above in the article, X-ray machines have thus become indispensable imaging diagnostics equipment in modern medicine. High-quality, digital products are dominating the medical technology market, as they optimize the workflow and guarantee the rapid treatment of the patient. The leaders in the field of imaging diagnostics like X-rays are GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, Canon Medical, and Philips Healthcare, and many more manufacturers. You can find the largest range of X-ray equipment on mybigpharmacy, Nigeria’s number one B2B platform for medical supplies, equipment, and technology.