An old, somewhat eerie photograph of an x-ray room that was used often at the Alcatraz prison, known for its maximum-security facilities and historical significance.

Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and finally, as a federal prison from 1934 until 1963. During its 29 years of operation by the federal bureau of prisons, Alcatraz was designed to hold prisoners who continuously caused trouble at other federal prisons, essentially making it the last stop for the country's most incorrigible inmates.

Alcatraz gained a notorious reputation due to the harsh conditions caused by the cold, strong currents of the surrounding bay waters, which were assumed to be too treacherous for successful escape attempts. Some of the most famous inmates included notorious criminals like Al Capone and Robert Franklin Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz."

Al Capone, also known as "Scarface," was one...

In the ever-advancing field of medical imaging, ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare professionals remains paramount. A captivating historical snapshot illustrates this commitment: a radiologist attentively operates the latest X-ray apparatus, enveloped in protective lead apparel. This image is more than just a moment frozen in time; it represents a pivotal chapter in the history of radiological safety.

A Shield in the Storm - The Lead Apron

When X-rays were first discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, the potential dangers of radiation exposure were not immediately recognized. It wasn't long, however, before the adverse effects began to manifest, prompting the development of protective measures. Lead, known for its high density and atomic number, proved to be an effective barrier against ionizing radiation. Thus, the lead apron became a staple in radiology departments worldwide.

The Lead Apron: A Radiologist's Armour

The lead apron's primary function is...

In the fast-paced world where managing a multitude of tasks can be overwhelming, finding an effective strategy to tackle our to-do lists is crucial. Inspired by Anne Lamott's philosophy in her book "Bird By Bird," this method offers a practical and structured approach to productivity. It begins with the simple act of writing down tasks on paper, moving through short bursts of focused work, and dedicating time to the most challenging tasks. This approach not only helps in efficiently managing tasks but also in reducing stress and enhancing focus. Let's explore how this method can transform the way we handle our daily workload, one step at a time.

Begin by taking a few minutes to jot down all your tasks on paper. Avoid using digital tools for this step. It's unclear why, but the act of writing on paper and physically crossing off items seems to build momentum.

Next, allocate 15 minutes to rapidly complete as many simple tasks as you can. Tackle quick phone calls and brief emails...

Central Ray | perpendicular to the midsagittal plane entering the level of T7

Evaluation Criteria

• Apices and costophrenic angles
• Both lungs and 10 ribs visible above the diaphragm
• Heart on the left side
• Spinous process centered demonstrating no rotation of the body
• Adequate air filling the lungs demonstrated by the dark contrast of the lung field.

Shielding: gonads

IR: 14x17in (35x43cm) Crosswise

SID: 72 inches (183cm)

Breathing: Suspended

The history of the PA view x-ray projection of the chest is a long and fascinating one. The first chest x-rays were taken in the early 1890s, shortly after the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895. These early x-rays were of poor quality and did not provide much information about the internal structures of the chest.

In the early 1900s, a number of improvements were made to x-ray technology, including the development of the grid, which helped to reduce the amount of scattered radiation that reached the film. These...

The history of the Crookes tube is a fascinating journey through the world of 19th-century physics, marking significant advancements in our understanding of atomic structure and electromagnetic radiation. Here's an overview:

Invention and Early Development

• 1869-1875: The Crookes tube was developed by Sir William Crookes, an English physicist. It evolved from earlier discharge tubes, notably the Geissler tube, invented in the 1850s.
• Fundamental Design: The tube was a glass vacuum tube with electrodes at either end. When high voltage was applied, the low-pressure air (or other gases) inside the tube would ionize, allowing electricity to flow through the gas, creating a glow.

This represents the traditional design often associated with a Crookes tube, a device invented by William Crookes for studying electrical discharges in gases. While it's not definitively known which type of tube Wilhelm Röntgen used during his X-ray discovery, this model is widely believed to be the one....

by Lazar Lazarovski R.T.(R) 

The world of medical imaging is one that never ceases to evolve, constantly pushing the boundaries to achieve the perfect harmony between patient safety and diagnostic accuracy. It is in this context that I found myself deeply engrossed in the article "Optimizing Contrast Resolution in Digital Chest Radiography by Varying Copper Filtration and kVp", authored by Vesna Balac, EdD, R.T.(R)(MR); Robert Grossman, MSE, R.T.(R)(CT); Randy Griswold, MPA, R.T.(R); and Dennis Bowman, R.T.(R), CRT(R)(F). Published in the ASRT Journal's November/December 2023 issue, this comprehensive study offers a new perspective on enhancing image quality in radiography, while prioritizing patient safety.

As a radiography professional, I am acutely aware of the challenges we face in achieving high-quality images for accurate diagnoses without increasing patient exposure to radiation. This study addresses these challenges head-on by investigating the effects of varying copper...

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of medical imaging, one topic that continues to spark debate and controversy is the practice of patient shielding. For decades, this practice has been a cornerstone in radiological procedures, serving as a protective measure against the potential risks of ionizing radiation. Traditionally, shields, primarily composed of lead or equivalent materials, have been employed to safeguard patients' radiosensitive organs, with a particular focus on gonadal shielding to prevent hereditary risks. This blog post delves into the intricate journey of patient shielding in radiology, exploring its origins, the evolution of standards, and the ongoing controversy surrounding its efficacy and necessity in modern medical imaging practices.

Since its introduction in the 1950s, patient shielding has undergone significant transformations, driven by advances in technology, shifts in medical understanding, and evolving safety standards. The practice, which once gained...

Ever wonder who invented the technology for that cell phone in your pocket? Hint - it wasn't Steve Jobs. 

In the intricate tapestry of history, threads of genius are woven sparingly, and the story of Julius Edgar Lilienfeld is one such thread. Born as the nineteenth century neared its close, on April 18, 1882, in the city of Lemberg, within the expansive and diverse Austro-Hungarian Empire—now the city of Lviv in Ukraine—Lilienfeld's early life was set against a backdrop of a society rich in cultural and scientific ferment. His birthplace, a crucible of nationalities and ideas, would have provided a vibrant and variegated landscape to kindle the flames of curiosity in a young mind.

As the new century unfolded, Lilienfeld, in the flush of his youth, was drawn to the pulsating heart of scientific inquiry and made his pilgrimage to Germany. It was here, in the revered halls of Friedrich Wilhelm University in Berlin, that he sought to immerse himself in the deep waters...