What Does
a Radiology Technician Do?
Radiology technicians operate various radiology imaging machines and produce images of the human body for medical diagnostic purposes. They are responsible for everything in the field of radiology, except for interpreting the films and diagnosing patients.
Function
Radiology technicians produce radiographs of the human body under the direction and supervision of physicians, who interpret the radiographs. Most technicians take X-rays, but those with additional training can take more advanced radiographs such as fluoroscopies, sonograms, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) scans, PET (positron emission tomography) scans and mammograms.
Meet with Patients
A radiology technician meets with each patient and explains the procedure they're about to receive. They then prepare the patients by asking them to remove all jewelry or metal objects and cover the areas not being examined with radiation-protecting shields. They also put the patient in the proper position to take the most accurate images.
Administer Contrast Material
For some MRIs and CT scans, physicians request that the images have contrast to enhance detail in the soft tissue. For these images, techs prepare a contrast solution and administer it for the patient to consume.
Take Radiographs
When taking the radiographs, techs position the machines at the correct angles and distance from the body. They sometimes have to measure the thickness of the part of the body being examined and then adjust the controls of the machine for correct density and contrast. After each image, techs remove the film from the machine and develop all of the films upon completion.
Maintain Patient Records
Techs also have complete responsibility to keep accurate patient records for every radiology exam. They record each film and keep track of when they are checked out by patients and physicians.
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