For every adult, fluorography of the lungs is mandatory once a year.
This diagnostic method makes sure that the tissues and mucous membranes of the respiratory organs are in order, and the inflammatory process does not develop in them.
In addition to the mandatory examination, there are a number of indications for which the doctor may prescribe fluorography as a additional method diagnostics
The main thing is to control so that a person has no contraindications to carry out the procedure.
Fluorography reveals various changes in the condition of the lungs and bronchi at different stages of their development.
Therefore, doctors use this procedure to confirm the clinical picture of a particular disease.
Indications for examination may include:
- Need for passage preventive examination, which is required once a year.
- Emergency service.
- Body check V educational institutions and at work.
- Suspicion of fibrosis.
- Age-related changes in the tissues of the bronchi and lungs.
- Suspicion of the development of an inflammatory process in the lung tissues.
- After close contact with a person who has tuberculosis.
- Suspicion of lung cancer.
- Manifestation of signs HIV infections.
- A smoker's lungs require more careful medical monitoring.
- Often to check the health of people who live with pregnant women or infants.
What is fluorography of the lungs?
Fluorography is a diagnostic method that shows changes in the condition chest.
It consists of an x-ray examination, during which the respiratory organ is photographed.
The visible image is displayed on a special fluorescent screen after the X-rays pass through human body and at the same time they will be unevenly absorbed by internal organs, as well as various tissues.
During the procedure, the doctor is able to obtain a reduced-sized image of the chest, which will confirm or refute the symptoms of the pathology.
In addition, you can take a large-frame image, which in terms of diagnostic capabilities is practically no different from radiography.
Fluorography prescribed to check the chest, skeletal system of the upper body, as well as the mammary glands.
The convenience of the method lies in the fact that it is safe, fast, without invasive effects on the body and no preliminary preparation is required.
In addition, there are not only stationary, but also mobile devices that can be transported without much effort.
The result of the examination appears on the material, which undergoes digital processing. Thanks to the latest digital technologies, specialists perform simplified work with images.
Also, modern equipment helps reduce radiation exposure to the body and makes it possible to examine a spot in the chest area that is even small in size.
For getting digital photos At the examination site, two common methods of digital fluorography can be used.
First option It is similar to ordinary photography: on the fluorescent screen in the pictures, the irregularities look like a shadow, but the X-ray film has been replaced with a special CCD matrix.
Another way involves layer-by-layer transverse scanning of the chest using a fan-shaped beam of X-ray light.
In this case, a linear detector detects radiation that has already passed through the body.
Attention! Pictures taken using the second method can show a more extensive picture, and the radiation dose is an order of magnitude lower. But this method There is a significant drawback, which is that it takes longer to obtain photographs of the respiratory system.
Preparation for the procedure
The chest is often examined using fluorography, because the procedure is highly informative and also has a number of advantages compared to others similar methods diagnostics (for example, CT or MRI): the study is painless, non-invasive and has an affordable price.
Attention! Before undergoing fluorography, a person does not need to undergo any special preparation.
This examination method consists of several successive stages:
In some cases, the doctor may provide a protective apron to provide additional protection for radiation exposure.
Typically, the results of the study are deciphered the next day.
Restrictions for conducting
During fluorography, the chest is completely examined, and the doctor can detect changes in the condition of the respiratory tree. However, there are people for whom this procedure is not recommended:
- Age under 15 years old.
- Weakened body.
- Pregnancy.
- Feeding the baby breast milk.
- Breathing problems in which a person cannot hold a full breath to clinical picture turned out to be accurate.
How is FG harmful?
It is harmful to carry out fluorography frequently, because many people already know from a school physics course that during the procedure, human the body is exposed to radiation, which is detrimental to internal organs and fabrics.
If the optimal dose of X-rays is exceeded, an irreversible change in the blood occurs, as well as the development of oncology.
However a one-time procedure is not capable of causing significant harm, because in a few seconds the exposure does not exceed 0-61.5 mSv, depending on the quality of the medical equipment.
A person receives approximately the same amount of radiation during one month of his usual lifestyle.
You should not worry about symptoms of deteriorating health, because the maximum permissible dose radiation exposure for an adult reaches 150 mSv per year.
Therefore, only when these indicators are significantly exceeded can you worry about possible development dangerous changes in the body, including the formation of a malignant tumor of the lungs or mammary gland.
Thus, if undergo fluorography once or twice a year, then it will not affect your health.
But There is one important exception: X-ray radiation can cause significant harm to small children, pregnant women and fetuses, and women during lactation.
These people experience a deterioration in their health even due to exposure to radiation in small quantities, significantly below the established norm.
Attention! When determining the level possible risk the quality of the fluorography technique used must be taken into account. New installations make it possible to obtain an accurate picture of the chest and reduce the level of radiation to the body during the procedure.
What does the photo show?
Many people are sure that a doctor can only assess the condition of the heart and lungs using a fluorographic image.
However, this is absolutely not true, because in the resulting photo an experienced pulmonologist will see the full picture the entire chest, will promptly detect minor disorders of the internal organs.
The film shows shadows of the lungs, heart and pericardium, and spine. TO
In addition, the extended photograph shows large bronchi, trachea, top part esophagus, as well as the diaphragm.
Important! The doctor observes the most informative picture only regarding the heart and lungs.
When examining the image, the pulmonologist will be able to additional examinations identify foci of pathological changes:
- Tissue damage respiratory organs.
- Dimensions of the heart and pericardium.
- The presence of suspicious formations or specific darkening.
Fluorography is a quick screening technique for diagnosing internal organs in the chest area.
With its help, pulmonologists are able to identify pathology or confirm the absence of foci of the disease.
Thanks to this survey, accurate forecasts are made on initial stage illness, so it is possible to make timely changes to further observations the state of the human body and develop the correct course of therapy.
What does darkening in the lungs mean?
When X-rays pass through the chest, there may be a noticeable darkening in the resulting photograph.
The resulting shadows in certain places mean that these areas of the body are foci of inflammation.
The shape of the spots is darker in color doctors can determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant, metastases affecting the bronchi, lungs and other tissues, various changes in the mucous membranes and tissues of the respiratory organs.
Does fluorography show lung cancer?
This diagnostic procedure Designed for a thorough examination of the chest.
The use of modern equipment can allow to reveal malignant tumors affecting the lungs or mammary gland.
In the picture dark spot in the inflamed area appears in the early stages of cancer development, when severe symptoms are not yet noticeable and diagnosis is difficult.
What is the difference between FG and radiography?
Fluorography is a diagnostic method, the price of which is more attractive than x-ray examinations.
In the latter case higher quality and more expensive material is used, and for fluorography of the lungs, film is cheaper, and much less is required.
Attention! X-rays must be carried out using special equipment with different functions for processing photos in several successive stages.
Fluorography can be performed absolutely healthy people as part of a medical examination. But an x-ray is prescribed by a pulmonologist in the case when he needs a more informative image to clarify the disease and monitor the characteristics of its course.
Video: Lung X-ray and fluorography
Elena Malysheva, in a popular and understandable form, explains the difference - how fluorography differs from x-rays
In addition, this diagnostic procedure is also carried out if necessary to monitor the dynamics of the development of pathology and inflammatory processes.
Contraindications for FG
Fluorography is not done in the following cases:
To monitor the health of the respiratory system, you can undergo fluorography, which will help to promptly detect inflammation, as well as metastases.
This diagnostic method prescribed to adults who have no contraindications.
To decipher the resulting chest images, special codes are used to help determine disease of the bronchi or lungs.
Essential for diagnosis. If the results of the first diagnostic method are insufficient, then a second one is prescribed.
Fluorography is an x-ray examination, a type of x-ray of the lungs.
Its other names:
- radio photography;
- X-ray photography;
- X-ray fluorography.
Fluorography appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, immediately after the discovery of X-rays. Initially, this was a labor-intensive, painstaking procedure, equally dangerous for both the patient and the doctor (irradiation of 2.5 mSv when the permitted rate is 1 mSv). Modern fluorography is much safer than its predecessor and is a screening method.
Without a photo you can't:
- pass a medical examination;
- make a medical record for work;
- study full-time at a university or college.
This is due to the fact that in Lately In Russia there is a sharp increase in the number of cases of tuberculosis.
Fluorography allows you to detect:
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- pneumonia.
It is impossible to see small details on a fluorogram, but it is capable of diagnosing the disease.
Description of the method
X-rays are passed through the patient's chest. Partially they are absorbed by tissues of organisms, partially they penetrate through it and are imprinted on the film. If there are any formations in the lungs (cancer, inflammation, tuberculosis), darkening will be visible in the image.
Kinds
Currently, there are two types of fluorography:
- Digital. Modern way screening study. A thin X-ray beam passes linearly through the patient's body, and a fragmented image is stored on a chip built into the device. Specialized software then collects all these fragments into an overall picture and transmits it to a specialist’s computer. In this case, the patient receives a small dose of radiation - only 0.05 mSv. The main disadvantage of digital fluorography is its high cost, as well as the high cost of modern devices. Not all medical institutions can afford them.
- Film (traditional). The imprint of the rays passed through the patient's body is imprinted on the film. Compared to digital, film fluorography is more radioactive (0.5 mSv).
Indications and contraindications for the study
Fluorography is prophylactic procedure. WHO recommends testing at least once every two years for all persons over fifteen years of age.
Once a year, fluorography mandatory held:
- employees of educational and educational institutions;
- patients undergoing corticosteroid or radiation therapy;
- patients suffering diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases genitourinary or respiratory system.
Twice a year, fluorography is mandatory for:
- military personnel;
- patients who have had tuberculosis;
- HIV-infected;
- convicts;
- workers of tuberculosis clinics and maternity hospitals.
In some cases, a fluorographic examination may be prescribed by a doctor to establish the correct diagnosis.
There are no contraindications to fluorography.
Pregnancy is considered a relative contraindication; in this case, the need for screening is determined by the attending physician.
How does the procedure work?
Before the photo is taken, the patient is asked to be naked to the waist and remove all jewelry. After this, he is invited to the room for fluorography.
The procedure is performed in a standing position. The patient presses his chest against a fluorescent screen, inside of which there is a chip (digital fluorography) or film (film fluorography). The chin is placed in a special recess. Elbows spread to the side. Breathing is held for several seconds. During this time, X-ray irradiation occurs. Some of the rays are absorbed by the chest, and some pass through it, imprinting on a chip or film.
In some cases, it may be necessary to take several photographs from different angles. In this case, the patient changes body position several times - presses against the plate with his chest, then with his side and back.
Research results
As a result of the procedure, the doctor receives a fluorogram (image), which is then studied in detail. At the same time, attention is paid to the pulmonary pattern and transparency of the lung tissue. Normally, the image shows clear lung fields and a mesh bronchial tree and shadows of ribs.
Dark spots in the picture indicate some kind of disorder or disease. A qualified specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis based on the shape and location of the dark spots.
If too controversial, the patient is referred for other studies. Therefore, you should not be surprised if, after performing fluorography, the doctor may need the result of an x-ray.
Read more about fluorography in the video filmed by the MoyKlin RU project
What is a lung x-ray?
X-ray of the lungs is a fluorography of much higher resolution. X-rays can show shadows in images up to 2 mm, while fluorography can only show shadows from 5 mm.
Description
The technique is based on the ability of the human body to absorb X-rays. How denser fabric, the more radiation it “absorbs” into itself. Thus, the bones absorb almost all the radiation, and the lungs absorb no more than 5%. The result is an image in which the bones are almost white, and the air cavities are black.
Kinds
Like fluorography, x-rays come in two types:
- Digital. X-rays passing through the human body are recorded by a chip and processed software and transmitted to the monitor. More harmless than the film version - the radiation dose is 0.03 mSv per session.
- Film. X-rays are captured on film and subsequently printed. Radiation dose – 0.3 mSv per session.
Who is radiography indicated and contraindicated for?
The X-ray procedure is not preventive. It is prescribed by a doctor if there is reason to suspect any serious illness. So, x-rays are urgently done for pneumonia and tuberculosis.
In the following cases:
- suspicions of diseases of the respiratory system (tuberculosis, bronchitis, cancer);
- rib injuries;
- swelling;
- chest pain;
- cough.
The only relative contraindication is pregnancy.
How does the procedure work?
Before the examination, he will be asked to undress to the waist, remove all jewelry and pull his long hair up. The patient's reproductive organs are covered with a protective apron. The patient is asked to press his chest against the photographic plate. An X-ray tube is placed at the back, irradiating the chest. While the device is operating (several seconds), you should not breathe - this will blur the image.
If pictures are needed from different angles, several more pictures are taken in the rear and side projections.
Research results
The result of the X-ray examination is a photograph of the chest. The doctor examines the image and makes a medical conclusion based on it.
When studying the image, the structure of soft tissues and bones is important. Particular attention is paid to:
- location of the apexes of the lungs;
- shadows of mediastinal organs;
- transparency of lung tissue;
- the presence of additional shading.
After examining the image, the radiologist issues a medical report. Together with the images, it is sent to the patient’s attending physician.
You can learn more about the types of x-rays from the video published by the health-saving channel
Comparison of two methods
Due to the fact that one is a variation of the other, it is difficult to choose between them and make the right decision. Below are the differences between these lung testing methods.
Significant differences
So, fluorography differs from fluoroscopy:
- The purpose of the study. Fluorography is a screening study. It is carried out for absolutely everyone for preventive purposes. The purpose of fluorography is to detect the disease as early as possible and begin treatment. The purpose of an x-ray is to confirm or refute the presence of an already diagnosed disease.
- Image resolution. Fluorography may not display small foci of the disease due to its low resolution. X-rays show lung diseases much more accurately.
- Regulatory acts. X-ray, unlike fluorography, is not mandatory. The frequency of its use is not legally limited. It is carried out as needed according to the direction of the attending physician.
- Cost. If you compare the prices for taking pictures in private clinics, you can see that fluorography costs much less. First of all, this is due to the cost of the equipment (especially if we are talking about digital x-rays).
What is more harmful and dangerous?
The safest are digital research methods - both x-rays and fluorography. The most harmful are film ones. In this case, the dose is much lower than with fluorography.
Fluorography and x-rays can cause significant harm only if they are performed too often (about every day). In all other cases, these are absolutely safe and modern research methods.
The amount of radiation exposure during fluorography and x-rays is clearly presented in the table.
What is better and more informative for studying the lungs?
If there is a suspicion of a disease, it is better to choose fluoroscopy, as this examination is accurate and informative. In this case, the examination results will need to wait longer, but they will much more effectively determine the presence of the disease and will help with the final diagnosis.
Where can I get an x-ray or fluorography?
Both x-ray and fluorography, if available medical policy can be done completely free of charge in any public hospital. You can contact your physician for a referral for fluorography (if it is planned). If fluorography is needed to pass medical commission(for example, you work in the field of education), then a referral for it is issued at the workplace. Attending doctors also refer patients for X-rays at the state hospital.
In the event that a person is not satisfied with the services public hospitals, he can contact private medical centers. The addresses of all private clinics and a list of their services are available on the Internet.
The effectiveness of tuberculosis therapy depends on timely diagnosis. To determine the diagnosis, fluorography or x-rays of the lungs are used. Patients do not always understand the difference between these two diagnostic methods; describing their differences and the nuances of conducting the study is the main goal of the article.
X-ray, fluorography: description of diagnostic methods
Radiography is a long-known method for diagnosing pathologies of the lungs and other respiratory organs. It is often used due to its accessibility and ease of exploration behavior. The diagnostic device operates on the principle of directing a beam of rays onto the chest, passing through the organs and bones of a person, the image is projected on a special film. This method is similar to making photo cards, but it uses special rays. The image clearly shows the bones ( White color), soft fabrics visible in gray color, and airspaces are shown in black. X-ray of the lungs is one of the methods used to prevent pulmonary tuberculosis.
Fluorography is similar in principle to the study. It is also based on the use of X-rays, but the intensity of radiation and information about the condition of the lungs differs. During the procedure, the image is converted to small format film.
How is an X-ray examination performed?
X-ray of the lungs is simple and does not require additional training. The patient enters the room where there is an X-ray machine, the laboratory assistant tells him how to lie down, sit down, and stand in order to take a picture.
To carry out the procedure, you need to remove clothes to the waist, remove jewelry, hair, and hairpins. A protective apron is put on the remaining organs. During exposure to rays, it is necessary to hold your breath so that there is no movement of the chest. The whole procedure takes no more than 5 minutes. Time is spent removing clothes and getting the patient ready.
For prevention, you can undergo examination once every 2 years.
A chest x-ray examination is carried out no more than 2 times a year. This frequency is indicated for people at risk.
Carrying out fluorography
The procedure for conducting fluorographic examination differs from radiography. The patient in the office undresses to the waist, removes jewelry and underwear with underwires for women. During the cold season, the laboratory assistant allows you to wear a T-shirt or T-shirt.
Then the person stands in front of the screen, places his chin on top of the screen in a special recess, puts his hands on his belt, straightens his shoulders, pressing his entire chest against the screen. During the irradiation period, a person needs to hold his breath for a few seconds. After this the procedure is completed.
Indications for examination
These two methods complement each other. Fluorography is recommended as a preventive examination of the chest organs. The main indications for fluorographic studies are:
- Prevention of tuberculosis for patients over 16 years of age is carried out at least once a year.
- The doctor prescribes it to all primary patients if a person enters a health care facility without preliminary examinations of their health status.
- All family members living with pregnant women and newborn children are examined.
- Young people entering military service for fixed-term and contract purposes.
- Fluorography of the chest organs is indicated for HIV-infected people.
There are cases in medical practice when the doctor refers for additional, unscheduled fluorography. This occurs when there is a suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis, neoplasms, inflammatory processes, diseases of the heart muscle, and major vessels. In this case, the specialist decides which method will be informative: x-ray or fluorography.
Indications for x-rays are as follows:
- Clarification of data obtained during fluorographic examination.
- X-ray is informative if pneumonia or pleurisy is suspected. Based on the data received, the doctor puts accurate diagnosis and prescribes treatment.
- Tuberculosis in the lungs.
- Suspicion of tumors in the lung area.
- Periodically prescribed to prevent the development occupational diseases.
- At various diseases hearts.
- An indication for an x-ray is also damage to the chest.
Contraindications
Both methods are dangerous due to radiation, so there are contraindications for the use of fluorography and x-rays. They are:
- Patients' age is up to 15 years;
- Pregnant women.
Contraindications are removed when the risk is justified and patients are warned about the consequences.
Types of Methods
Time passes, medicine does not stand still. Not only vitality support devices are being developed, but also diagnostic devices. X-ray and fluorographic examination devices are no exception. Depending on which device is used to diagnose tuberculosis, there are types of X-ray and fluorography.
Types of radiography
To diagnose tuberculosis and other respiratory pathologies, two types of x-rays are used:
- Analogue - used since the end of the 19th century, the radiation dose for such an examination is quite high. This is no longer modern method, since it is not convenient in obtaining accurate results or storing films. A special film is loaded into the machine, a “print” is depicted on it, then developing the image takes a lot of time and is done using the technology of making ordinary photographs. The patient's movements and violation of the image development technology lead to a fuzzy image. In this case, there is a high probability of making an incorrect or inaccurate diagnosis. This is dangerous for the sick person.
- Digital radiography – X-rays of the lungs are performed using a digital machine. Immediately after diagnosis, the radiologist can enlarge the image to clarify unclear points, increase the contrast, change the colors of the image, place several images at once, print the “picture” on a sheet and special film, place the image on a digital medium for transfer to another institution, to another specialist.
Radiation exposure when using digital radiography is reduced significantly.
Types of fluorography
Fluorographic examination is also divided into two types. Which one to use depends on the capabilities of the particular medical institution.
- Film fluorography is an outdated method, known for its low information content. Most often this is a stationary device for permanent operation. The peculiarity of this type is the duration of obtaining the result. The film needs to be developed for a long time; the quality of the film, the quality of the chemicals and other factors influence the result. The radiation exposure is quite high.
- Digital fluorography. The digital diagnostic method is better, since the results are obtained faster, it causes less harm to the person, and the image is better than when carrying out the procedure using film. This type is also good because there is no dependence on chemical reagents; they are not used when developing the film. It allows you to clarify various nuances without exposing a person to additional radiation during re-diagnosis.
Harm when using two methods
What is more harmful: X-rays of the lungs performed different types, or fluorography?
If there is a suspicion of lung pathology, you need to choose a diagnostic method that will least harm your health.
The choice is based on a comparison of the degree of exposure.
Today, all 4 types of diagnostics that we discussed above are used, the radiation exposure of each of them is different. To keep your body as safe as possible, you need to check the effective equivalent dose of each of the four types of lung tests:
- Examination using film fluorography: the equivalent dose is 0.5 m3v per procedure.
- With a digital fluorogram, the equivalent dose is 0.05 m3v.
- Film X-ray of the lungs: the equivalent dose is 0.3 m3v.
- Digital X-ray of the lungs: effective equivalent dose is 0.03 m3v.
For 12 months, the dose control level is allowed to be 1-1.5 m3v (millisievert). Having analyzed the radiation indicators different methods, we can say that digital fluorography and digital x-rays are the safest for a sick person. At the same time, the price of digital fluorography is significantly lower than the cost digital x-ray.
Legal provisions regarding these diagnostic methods
Tuberculosis is a disease that threatens all segments of the population. The myth that only people from the lower social strata of society are susceptible to tuberculosis has already been dispelled. The law of the Russian Federation has certain provisions that regulate the mechanisms, timing and requirements for x-rays and fluorography.
It should be noted that every resident of the country has the right to refuse such a survey. But in this case, he takes full responsibility for his condition, the likelihood of an incorrect diagnosis and inadequate treatment.
Research is carried out without a person’s consent in three cases:
- in order to warn others about a “walking” threat to their health (if open form tuberculosis);
- X-ray examination is carried out for persons with mental illness;
- Compulsory examination is required by persons in prison or under investigation.
WHO experts, knowing about the harm and consequences of X-ray diagnostics, draw attention to the inadmissibility of routine radiography without clinical manifestations lung diseases. Preventive examinations are also under big question persons with weak immunity. The doctor must be aware of how much the body can be loaded with x-rays.
The legislation of the Russian Federation clearly defines the standards for the design of rooms and the use of X-ray machines, permissible radiation doses and the nuances of using this diagnostic method. This document is called “X-ray departments. Sanitary and hygienic standards." Also, from 2004, 2 more documents were adopted regulating the rules for conducting diagnostics: “Letter on the creation of a system for monitoring and recording patient radiation doses”, “Control effective doses exposure of patients during medical x-ray examinations.”
Where can I get a diagnosis?
Fluorography and x-ray of the lungs are widespread diagnostic methods. The doctor prescribes such studies not only for tuberculosis, but X-rays are also used to diagnose other organs. Therefore, rooms with devices are located in every clinic.
You can get diagnosed at your place of residence in a health care facility. But not all such institutions are equipped with digital devices.
If a person wants to receive a minimum dose of radiation, it is necessary to look for private clinics with digital devices. The diagnostic efficiency in such institutions is much better.
We have decided that fluorography and radiography are the main methods in diagnosing tuberculosis. In the resulting image, you can see darkened areas, which indicates the presence of changes in the lung. Images are better obtained with digital devices, and the minimum radiation dose makes them more effective and safe compared to film ones.
All adults undergo a fluorographic examination every year. X-ray is a similar test, but it is not a mandatory diagnosis. Why does this happen and how do these x-ray diagnostic methods differ? To answer this question, it is necessary to consider x-rays and fluorography separately. This will help identify the similarities and differences between them.
What is X-ray
Radiography (or X-ray) is a radiological research method internal structures human body. The image is obtained by exposing organs and tissues to x-rays. Moreover, the image (photograph) of the organs is life-size. Radiography happens:
- Survey (for example, chest x-ray);
- Targeted (a specific organ or area of the body is studied).
There are currently 2 types of X-ray machines in use:
- Film (old model). The radiation that a person receives during the examination is 0.27 m3v;
- Digital (modern model of the device). With its help, the radiation exposure to the patient is significantly reduced (up to 0.03 m3v).
The result of this examination is a clear image in which microscopic pathological changes(about 2 millimeters in diameter). However, X-rays are used only to clarify and make the correct diagnosis. It is not prescribed for preventive purposes.
What is fluorography
Fluorography is a radiological diagnostic method based on the use of X-rays. By using this method The chest organs (lungs, heart, large bronchi and aorta) are examined.
The result of the study is a photograph. However, its size differs from the image obtained by radiography. IN in this case The picture is small (11 cm x 11 cm). His distinctive feature is that it can be in digital format.
Devices for fluorography are also divided into 2 types:
- Film. When conducting an examination with this device, a person receives radiation equal to 0.55 m3v;
- Digital – modern equipment, the radiation of which is significantly lower than older models and is equal to 0.05 m3v.
Fluorography is used for preventive purposes. It helps to identify respiratory diseases in early stage development. However, it should be noted that this examination is not carried out on children under 14 years of age and pregnant women under any circumstances.
What is the difference between X-ray and fluorography?
Both X-ray and fluorography refer to X-ray methods At first glance, the research is no different. However, there are enough differences between them. To understand how X-rays differ from fluorography, it is necessary to consider their characteristics in comparison.
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Comparative table of radiography and fluorography:
| Characteristics | Radiography | Fluorography |
| Irradiation | The radiation dose that the patient receives in this case is lower than with fluorography (from 0.3 to 0.03) | Radiation dose is slightly higher (from 0.55 to 0.05) |
| Image quality | The images are clear, shadow formations 2 millimeters in diameter are visualized | The quality of the images is lower, you can see shadow formations 5 millimeters in diameter or more |
| Purpose of the study | Diagnostic. It is carried out if there is a suspicion of a certain pathology. Used to make a diagnosis and monitor the dynamics of the disease under the influence of therapy. | Preventive. Aimed at revealing hidden pathological process. Widely used to identify people with tuberculosis. |
| Areas of use | Widely used in various fields of medicine (pulmonology, cardiology, traumatology, surgery, pediatrics, neurology). You can take an x-ray of any organ and bone structure | The scope of application is narrow, since only those organs located in the chest are examined |
| How often is it carried out? | As needed. For fractures and severe pathologies, the doctor prescribes x-rays several times to track the dynamics of recovery (bone fusion) | Once a year or 2 times a year for certain groups of people |
| Contraindications | In this case, they are relative, that is, if there is a threat to life, the examination is carried out:
|
Absolute contraindications (not performed under any circumstances):
Menstruation is relative. |
| Price | Expensive examination | 5 – 6 times cheaper than x-rays |
What is the difference between fluorography and chest x-ray?
Chest X-ray and fluorography are aimed at examining organs such as the heart, right and left lungs, bronchi and aorta.
Let's look at the difference between fluorography and x-ray of the lungs. It should be noted that fluorography and chest x-ray have different purposes. If fluorography is more often used for preventive examination, then x-rays are prescribed only if lung or heart disease is suspected. This is due to the information content, that is, the quality of the images. X-rays produce clearer images. They are larger in size, which allows for a better view of the structure of organs and pathologically altered areas.
If we talk about which study is more revealing, then radiography wins.
If we compare them by radiation dose, then at first glance fluorography loses. Because the dose of X-rays is higher. But one should take into account the fact that when diagnosing heart pathology ( birth defects) and lungs (pneumonia, pneumothorax, hemothorax, etc.) requires radiography in 2 or more projections. Therefore, the total radiation dose is the same, or higher for x-rays.
No preparation is required for fluorography and simple x-rays. If radiography is performed using a contrast agent, preparation will be required. The attending physician will warn you about this.
What is better to do: chest x-ray or fluorography? Based on the above arguments, it is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. After all, these diagnostic methods are each good in their field of application. However, if you suspect diseases of organs located in the chest, preference should be given to radiography.
Indications for fluorography
All adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older must undergo fluorography once a year. However, not all people follow this, which can lead to negative consequences. In this regard, it is necessary to identify groups of people who should under no circumstances avoid this preventive procedure:
- People working in the field of education (teachers, educators);
- Workers " harmful production» (chemicals, dyes, asbestos, cement, silicates, steel production, coal mining and so on);
- Medical staff of maternity, perinatal, infectious diseases departments, anti-tuberculosis hospitals;
- Patients with chronic diseases.
Indications for X-ray of the lungs
An X-ray of the lungs is prescribed if the patient has certain complaints and symptoms that indicate the presence or development of pathology. Quite often this symptom is prolonged cough which cannot be treated. However, there are others Indications for X-ray of the lungs:
Possible harm from fluorography or x-rays
Upon appointment x-ray examination the doctor must evaluate the benefit to the person and the harm that may be caused to the person. Many people exaggerate the harm that this examination can cause. However, one should not deny the fact that x-rays and fluorography are harmful.
The body is harmed by the radiation that a person receives during the procedure. What is the effect of X-rays on organs and tissues:
- A short-term change in blood composition, which can lead to anemia;
- The structure of proteins (proteins) changes;
- The process of origin, development and vital activity of cells is disrupted;
- Early aging of cells and tissues;
- Degeneration of cells and tissues.
Adverse effects of X-rays can lead to the development of malignant tumors.
Radiation exposure is especially dangerous for pregnant women and children. In pregnant women, exposure to radiation can cause spontaneous abortion and violation labor activity. But the fetus that suffers the most is the one that is most likely to develop congenital diseases and developmental anomalies. In children, X-rays can cause growth and development problems. And also in a small child there is a high probability of developing a cancerous tumor in the area exposed to dangerous rays.
Now you know the difference between X-ray and fluorography and which procedure should be chosen in different cases. Also on our website you can find answers to popular questions about x-rays and fluorography -.
