Sterilisation by gamma radiation or high energy electrons is more appropriate in many cases than heat sterilisation and is finding more and more applications. Dressings, disposable gloves, plastic forceps and syringes as well as replacement hip joints and catheters are examples of medical equipment now sterilised by radiation. Sterilisation by radiation is also finding applications in other areas. Cosmetics and toiletries can be contaminated by microbes. Either the raw materials or the finished product may be sterilised by radiation.
Making X-ray images is another important radiation application used in hospitals. To make an X-ray picture (or radiograph) the patient is placed between the X-ray tube and a photographic plate. The operator (radiographer) and parts of the patient’s body that do not need X-raying are protected by lead screening. This is because too much exposure to X-rays can damage body tissue. The X-rays pass through the tissue but are stopped by the bones. A radiograph of the bones is obtained.
Site last updated February 16, 2012 @ 9:33 am
