Imaging Department:

Radiology, Mammography, CT, Ultrasound, Echo-cardiograph, X-RAY.

WHAT ARE X-RAYS?
X-rays are a type of radiation similar to light, except that they have a much higher frequency (number of waves / second), which makes them invisible to the naked eye. Due to their high frequency, X-rays can pass through the human body, this makes them ideal for looking inside the body. SAFETY X-rays consist of a type of radiation known as ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is high-energy radiation, it can damage the cells of the body and cause cancer in later life. However, ionizing radiation is only a threat to health when a person is exposed to a significantly high dose. The doses that are used in medical X-rays are very low and are thought to be safe. They are similar in strength to other sources of natural radiation that people are exposed to every day.

WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?

Examining bones As bone is made out of calcium, which is a very hard and tough material, it shows up very clearly on X-rays. This makes X-rays very useful in diagnosing many different conditions and other problems related to bones, such as: breaks, problems with your teeth, such as tooth decay, osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of your bones), bone infections, scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), and cancers of the bone.

- Examining the chest Although major organs and blood vessels do not show up as clearly on X-rays as bones, they are visible. Therefore, chest X-rays are a good way of looking for changes or abnormalities in your heart, lungs and major arteries. In particular, chest X-rays can be used to help diagnose  lung conditions, such as infections, lung cancer and asthma, as well as heart enlargement.

- X-rays and contrast fluids X-rays are often used in combination with contrast fluids to produce a more detailed picture of certain organs and blood vessels. Most contrast fluids block the passageway of X-rays. When a contrast fluid coats the lining of organs and blood vessels, they show up clearly in white. Barium is a widely used contrast fluid.

- Barium swallow A barium swallow is a procedure where you are given some barium solution to drink. Once the barium moves down into your upper digestive system, a series of X-rays is taken. The test is often used to diagnose problems of swallowing, or persistent abdominal pain.

- Barium enema A barium enema involves having barium solution pumped through your anus (back passage) into your bowel. Barium enemas are used to diagnose bowel problems, such as persistent infrequent bowel movement and blood in your stools.

- Intravenous urogram (IVU) An intravenous urogram (IVU) is where a contrast fluid (usually an iodine solution) is injected into your veins, before it moves into your kidneys and bladder. X-rays are then taken of your kidneys and bladder. The procedure is often used to diagnose problems with your urinary system. Concerning contrast media for use in vessel refer to the contrast media consent form.

Doctors in Radiology Department

DR. MONA ABOU EL FETOUH

Specialty:  Consultant Radiologist

DR. SARAH AL BAYAH

Specialty: General Practitioner (GP)
Qualification:MBCHB Degree at Al Mustansiriya University, Baghdad.
Advanced practice-Diagnostic Imaging, Dundee, UK.