Have you ever wondered which types of electromagnetic radiation might a doctor use to treat patients? All of us know about X-rays and similar technologies, but the answer to this question may actually surprise you.
Electromagnetic (EM) radiation has the ability to penetrate the skin and affect tissue deep inside the body. That said, there are many different types of EM energy, so knowing which types of radiation are used in a medical center can help you create a safe environment for your patients and medical staff.
Which Types of Electromagnetic Radiation Do Doctors Use?
Radiation therapy is famously used in various cancer treatments, but EM waves are actually used in a variety of different medical settings.
EM energy is used not only for treatment but also for diagnostic imaging, giving medical practitioners the data they need to treat injuries and diseases. That said, certain types of radiation can damage living tissues, so it’s important to know when patients and medical practitioners need protection.
Below, we’ve separated medical EM radiation into ionizing waves that require protection and non-ionizing energy that doesn’t damage living cells.
Ionizing EM Waves
Ionizing EM waves carry enough energy to dislodge atoms and cause changes in living organisms at a molecular level.
These powerful EM waves are used in many types of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, but it’s important to note that patients and practitioners must wear special protection when this technology is in use.
Short-Wave Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
When you think about ultraviolet (UV) rays, you probably think about blue light lamps that make stuff glow in the dark. You’re not wrong, but this is not the type of UV radiation we’re referring to.
Short-wave UV waves like UV-C waves carry enough energy to ionize atoms, and it’s also used in various medical settings. UV-C radiation, for instance, is effective in sterilizing medical equipment and surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
In dermatology, controlled UV exposure is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. That said, the ionizing nature of UV-C radiation necessitates careful handling and protective measures to prevent potential skin damage and other health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
X-Rays
X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation widely used in medical imaging to visualize the internal structures of the body, though its applications also include radiation therapy. This type of EM energy provides detailed images of bones, tissues, and organs, crucial for diagnosing fractures, infections, and tumors.
This technology involves passing X-ray beams through the body, with denser structures appearing white on the resulting film or digital image. While essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, X-rays require radiation exposure protection to minimize risks and ensure patient as well as medical staff safety.
Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are present in various medical facilities, particularly in hospitals that provide cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging. In radiation therapy, gamma rays are used to target and destroy malignant cells with precision, offering a robust tool for managing cancerous tumors and other growths.
Additionally, gamma rays are integral to certain imaging techniques, such as PET scans, which provide detailed insights into metabolic processes within the body. Given their penetrating power, gamma rays require strong safety protocols to protect both patients and healthcare specialists from excessive radiation exposure.
Non-Ionizing EM Waves
Non-ionizing EM waves are essential at medical facilities because they’re safe, yet provide a great alternative for both treatment and diagnosis. Let’s take a closer look at this type of radiation.
Microwaves
Microwaves are a type of non-ionizing radiation used in treatments like diathermy. These EM waves are completely safe and they’re used to heat tissues located deep within muscles in order to ignite the body’s natural healing response.
This method enhances blood flow and helps lower inflammation, so it’s particularly useful for muscle and joint pain relief. Additionally, microwaves play a role in imaging technologies and certain therapeutic applications, so they can provide targeted treatments without ionizing radiation’s associated risks.
Infrared Radiation
Infrared radiation, which lies just beyond the visible spectrum, has applications in both diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures. It’s used in therapies like infrared treatment and heating pads to loosen muscle stiffness and relieve pain.
Infrared imaging is also crucial in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as vascular abnormalities or joint injuries. This type of radiation offers a non-invasive approach to therapy, helping to improve patient comfort and recovery without the potential hazards of ionizing radiation.
Visible Light
It may seem obvious, but it’s impossible to overlook the use of visible light in medical settings. Visible light is utilized in the vast majority of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, from medical evaluations to endoscopies and everything in between.
Safety Considerations for Patients and Practitioners
Patients and practitioners can develop long-term health issues if they’re exposed to radiation without the proper protection. It’s important to ensure that your facility has the right protective gear, such as:
- Lead Aprons: Lead aprons are a basic, yet effective form of radiation protection that safeguard the user’s vital organs located in the torso area, as well as part of the neck and lower extremities.
- Thyroid Shields: Ideal for dental practices that utilize radiation-emitting devices, thyroid shields can help protect the hormone central of the body and prevent damage associated with ionization.
- Protective Gloves: Protective gloves provide an additional layer of protection for direct as well as scatter radiation contamination. Your team can also use these gloves to manipulate potentially contaminated surfaces until they’re disinfected.
- Leaded Eyewear: Not only is leaded eye protection suitable for use with other protective gear on this list, but you can also use prescription glasses made for specific team members.
- Radiation Shields: Mobile radiation shields are dynamic because they can be moved around based on the layout of your different treatment and diagnostic rooms. Instead of setting up permanent stations, you can give your team mobile shields that can be placed in safer, more convenient locations.
Conclusion
Medical experts use a variety of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation to treat patients in medical settings.
As a facility manager, it is crucial to ensure that all personnel and patients exposed to radiation are adequately protected to prevent long-term health issues. This means that you have to maintain ongoing communication with your team and ensure that both practitioners and patients have access to the appropriate protective gear.
To learn more about getting the best lead aprons and other protective equipment, contact Barrier Technologies today.
