X-ray

X-ray examinations reveal bones, joints and certain organs. They help in the diagnosis of fractures, signs of wear and tear or misalignments, and can also detect conditions affecting the lungs, chest or abdomen. Furthermore, X-rays are used to monitor the healing process following operations or treatments.

X-rays are a form of ionising radiation, to which we are also exposed in everyday life through natural sources such as the environment, soil, rock and food. Our bodies therefore have their own protective and repair mechanisms to rectify any potential cell damage.

Before every examination, we carefully weigh up whether the medical benefit outweighs the potential radiation exposure. Modern equipment automatically adjusts the radiation dose to suit the specific examination and uses only as much radiation as is necessary for a safe and accurate diagnosis.

Our aim is to achieve optimal image quality whilst minimising radiation exposure as much as possible. To put this into perspective, consider the following comparison: a chest X-ray results in a radiation dose of approximately 0.02 mSv¹. A scheduled flight from Zurich to New York results in additional exposure of approximately 0.03 to 0.05 mSv² due to increased cosmic radiation at high altitudes.

_{Sources:
¹ US Environmental Protection Agency – Frequently Asked Questions: Radiation in Medicine: https://www.epa.gov/radiation/frequent-questions-radiation-medicine
² US Environmental Protection Agency – Cosmic Radiation: https://www.epa.gov/radtown/cosmic-radiation}

Radiology has undergone significant technological advances in recent years. Modern equipment now enables a significantly lower radiation dose and thus offers more effective protection than lead aprons for patients could ever provide.

In light of these developments and new scientific findings, professional bodies recommend that lead aprons should no longer be used for patients in radiology.

Different requirements continue to apply to our medical staff: as they regularly work in the vicinity of radiation sources, protective equipment such as lead aprons remains an important measure for keeping occupational radiation exposure as low as possible.

Are you pregnant, or do you suspect you might be? Please let us know immediately. In this case, we will reassess the benefits and risks. We will only carry out the examination if it is medically justifiable, taking into account all protective measures for the unborn child.