Nuclear Energy Handbook

Many types of radiation are used for medical imaging today. X-rays are used in radiography and computed tomography, gamma-rays in nuclear medicine, radio waves in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonic waves in sonography. This presentation will focus on X-rays only. Reference will also be made to gamma-rays, given that both X- and gamma-rays are the two types of ionizing radiation used for diagnostic imaging and that they are closely related from a physics perspective. A brief overview of the types of ionizing radiation, their interaction with matter and their major biological effects is presented. The basic principles of radiation protection, units of measurement and radiation doses from common procedures are briefly discussed. In addition, methods of radiation measurement, safe practice in pregnancy and doses from inteventional procedures are considered. Sources of further information are identified.