What is fluorography? Fluorography: how often can I do? Digital fluorography

In general terms, what is fluorography, probably everyone knows. This diagnostic method, which allows the imaging of organs and tissues, was developed at the end of the 20th century, a year after the X-rays were detected . In the pictures you can see sclerosis, fibrosis, foreign objects, neoplasms, inflammations having a developed degree, presence in the cavities of gases and infiltrate, abscesses, cysts and so on. What is fluorography? What is the procedure? How often and at what age can it be done? Are there any contraindications to the diagnosis? Read about this in the article.

Features of the application of the methodology

Most often, chest fluorography is performed, which allows to identify tuberculosis, a malignant tumor in the lungs or chest and other pathologies. Also, the technique is used to examine the heart and bones. It is mandatory to carry out such a diagnosis if the patient complains of persistent cough, shortness of breath, lethargy.

As a rule, children learn about what fluorography is, only at the age of fifteen. It is from this age that it is allowed to conduct a survey for preventive purposes. For children of younger age, an x-ray or ultrasound is used (if necessary), and only in the most extreme cases fluorography is prescribed.

How often is it possible to carry out diagnostics?

This question is of concern to many. In order to prevent TB, tuberculosis should be examined at least once every two years. People who have special indications should resort to this method of diagnosis more often. For example, those who have been diagnosed with tuberculosis in a family or work collective are given fluorography every six months. Employees of maternity hospitals, tuberculosis clinics, dispensaries, sanatoriums are also being examined with the same frequency. Also every six months, diagnostics is carried out for people with severe pathologies of chronic course, such as diabetes, bronchial asthma, stomach ulcer, HIV and so on, as well as those who have served time in places of deprivation of liberty. Conscripts in the army and people diagnosed with tuberculosis, fluorography is done regardless of how much time passed after the previous survey.

Contraindications

This type of diagnosis, as already mentioned above, does not apply to children under fifteen. Also, fluorography is not done during pregnancy, except in cases of extreme necessity. But even if there are special indications, it is possible to carry out a survey only if the gestational age exceeds 25 weeks. At this time, all the fetal systems have already been laid, and the procedure will not do him harm. The effect of radiation at an earlier time is fraught with disorders and mutations, since in this period the cells of the fetus are actively dividing.

At the same time, some doctors believe that in modern technology for pregnant women is not so dangerous fluorography. Harm to the fetus is not applied, since the dose of radiation is extremely small. The apparatus has built-in lead boxes that protect all organs located above and below the level of the chest. And still it is necessary to refuse from carrying out of procedure during vynashivanija the child. But nursing mothers have nothing to worry about. The diagnostic method does not influence the quality of breast milk, therefore, for them the examination is completely safe. However, of course, to do a fluorography in the lactation period should be only if there are valid reasons.

Procedure

No training is required. The patient enters the cabinet, undresses to the waist and stands in the booth of the apparatus, slightly resembling an elevator. The specialist fixes the person in the necessary position, presses his chest against the screen and asks for a few seconds to hold his breath. One click on the button and you're done! The procedure is extremely simple, it is not so easy to do something, especially since all your actions are controlled by medical personnel.

Results of the survey

If the tissue density in the examined organs is changed, this will be noticeable on the image obtained. Often by means of a roentgenography the occurrence in lungs of connecting fibers is revealed. They can be in different areas of the organs and have different forms. Depending on this, the fibers are classified into scars, strands, fibrosis, adhesions, sclerosis, radiance. Cancerous tumors, abscesses, calcifications, cysts, emphysematous phenomena, infiltrates are also clearly visible in the pictures. However, the disease can not always be detected using this method of diagnosis. For example, inflammation of the lungs will be noticeable only when it acquires a fairly developed form.

A picture of fluorography is not immediately apparent, it takes some time, so the results can be obtained only after 24 hours. If no abnormalities are found, the patient is given a certificate stamped with a seal indicating this. Otherwise, a number of additional diagnostic measures are prescribed.

X-ray or fluorography

The technique considered by us was invented as a more mobile and cheaper analog of X-ray. The film used for pictures is quite expensive, and for fluorography it is required much less, as a result, the examination is cheaper by more than ten times. For the development of X-rays , special instruments or baths are needed, with each image requiring individual processing. And fluorography allows you to show the film directly in rolls. But the irradiation with this method is twice as large, because the roll film is less sensitive. X-rays are used in both cases, and even the apparatus by which the examination is performed have a similar appearance.

And what is more informative for a doctor: X-ray or fluorography? The answer is unequivocal - X-ray. With this method of diagnosis, the image of the organ itself is scanned, and in the case of fluorography, the shadow reflected from the fluorescent screen is removed, so the picture turns out to be shallower and not so clear.

Disadvantages of the method

1. Significant dose of radiation. During the session, some devices give a radiation load of 0.8 m3v, while at the X-ray the patient receives only 0.26 m3v.
2. Insufficient information of pictures. Practicing radiologists indicate that about 15% of the images get married after processing the roll film.

These problems can be solved through the introduction of a new methodology. Let's talk about it in more detail.

Digital technology

Now everywhere, film technology is still used, but an advanced method with several advantages has already been developed and is being used here and there. Digital fluorography makes it possible to obtain the most accurate pictures, and at the same time a smaller amount of radiation affects the patient. Among the advantages can also include the ability to transfer and store information on digital media, the lack of expensive materials, the ability of devices per unit of time to "serve" a larger number of patients.

Digital fluorography is more effective than film (by some data) by approximately 15%, while during the procedure the radiological load increases five times less than with the use of a film version. Due to this, diagnostics through digital fluorograms are allowed even for children. To date, there are already devices equipped with a silicon linear detector, giving out a quantity of radiation comparable to what we get in one day in ordinary life.

Does fluorography really cause harm?

The body is really exposed to radiation during the procedure. But is it so strong to adversely affect health? In fact, not so dangerous fluorography. The damage is greatly exaggerated. The device produces a dose of radiation accurately verified by scientists, which is incapable of causing any serious disturbances in the body. Few people know, but, for example, during a flight in an airplane, we get a much higher radiation load. And the longer the flight, the higher the air corridor, respectively, the more harmful radiation enters the body of passengers. What can I say, because even watching TV is associated with radiation exposure. Not to mention the computers that our children spend so much time with. Think about it!

Finally

From the article you learned about what is fluorography, as well as all the subtleties of the procedure. Do it or not, decide for yourself. Under the law, no one can force you to undergo a survey without any valid reasons. On the other hand, to make sure that everything is in good health, it never hurts. The choice is yours!