Chest X-ray and fluorography difference. Difference between X-ray and fluorography. What shows pneumonia, pneumonia, chest tightness: x-ray or fluorography

To understand the difference between fluorography and x-ray of the lungs, it is enough to know what these two concepts are.

X-ray is a very informative and detailed study that can be used to diagnose a large number of diseases of the respiratory system, ranging from tuberculosis to oncological processes.

The principle of X-ray is based on the difference in the absorption of radioactive rays by the tissues of the human or animal body. For example, bones, which are naturally rich in calcium, retain the largest amount of radioactive rays. Thanks to this property of the body, bones look most vivid in a photo taken by a radiologist. Other organic tissues absorb much less radiation, causing them to appear in grayscale in the image. The darkest cavities in the image are the air that the X-ray rays pass through.

Fluorography is a fairly old method of examining the chest area using radioactive radiation. In other words, the rays turn into light, which is captured on film. As a result, the doctor receives a fairly small image with the same non-exhaustive information about the condition of the patient’s lungs.

However, fluorography is rarely used in the study of any other organs. This is due to a very high degree of radiation exposure.

Nowadays, the principle of fluorography has changed significantly. Modern fluorographic devices, thanks to digital imaging, provide more detailed results with reduced radiation exposure. However, due to the high cost of digital equipment, many city clinics still work with outdated devices. Therefore, the question of which diagnosis is better and gives the most complete picture with less harm is rather rhetorical.

So, what's the difference: X-ray of the lungs or fluorography? After all, diagnostics, as it may seem at first glance, do not have significant differences. But there are differences between them and they lie not only in the technology for obtaining the image.

Differences between fluorography and x-rays

There are a number of significant features in which these diagnostic methods differ. Of course, an ordinary person, holding different pictures in his hands, is unlikely to be able to distinguish which one was taken using an X-ray and which one was not, but an experienced doctor will see the difference in the completeness of the picture of the patient’s lung condition.

Every patient should know that:

Fluorography shows minor pathological processes in the form of small, almost invisible threads. If the doctor has any suspicions, then an x-ray is prescribed to confirm or refute the primary results. In other words, fluorography is the prevention of the disease, and not an effective method of detecting it.
The X-ray image has a higher resolution compared to fluorographic, which allows you to enlarge the image many times when working with it.
The dose of radiation received by the patient during fluorography is much greater than with x-rays.

Thus, fluorography rather refers to “primitive” diagnostic methods and is not used at all in modern medicine in some countries. At this time, radiography is a diagnostic recognized as accurate, allowing one to quickly detect pathological processes without a huge number of additional studies and avoid unpleasant consequences.

Indications for lung diagnostics

Fluorography and lung imaging: what is the difference in the indications for these studies?

A variety of symptoms may be indicated for radiography: weakness, causeless exhaustion, coughing up blood, acute pain in the chest in the lung area, and others.

As for fluorography, this diagnosis is recommended (sometimes even mandatory) for preventive purposes for people who:

visited this clinic for the first time;
share living space with a pregnant woman or newborn baby;
enter military service by conscription or contract;
HIV-infected.

So, fluorography and x-ray of the lungs: what is the difference and how to distinguish:

fluorography does not give an accurate picture and is intended to serve as a preventive technique (an annual examination legalized by our state);
radiography is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis (pneumonia, oncology, etc.);
The x-ray image has higher quality with less radiation.

In other words, if pneumonia is suspected, there should be no question about the diagnostic method. You definitely need an x-ray. Fluorography should be considered as a superficial screening. X-ray – a detailed and complete examination. This is a key difference to understand.

In contact with

X-ray of the lungs for pneumonia or fluorography - the choice of diagnostic method is not in doubt for the attending physician. The therapist is well aware that a better study for identifying an infiltration focus in the lung tissue is a chest x-ray in 2 projections.

It is difficult for a simple person who does not have knowledge of radiology to determine the difference between fluorography and x-ray of the lungs. In principle, he doesn’t need to do this, because there are doctors. But we always want to prevent specialist mistakes, so we will tell you about fluorographic and radiographic examination of the chest cavity in more detail.

Fluorography - what is it and how does it differ from X-ray of the lungs

Fluorography is a long-standing method of screening the population for the purpose of early detection of tuberculosis, pneumonia or cancer. The first fluoroscopes made it possible to visualize the lung fields on a special luminous screen. The examination was not harmless, but it made it possible to determine the infiltrative focus. This is where the functions of fluorography ended, and doctors, to establish the cause of the positive x-ray syndrome, performed x-rays of the lungs in direct, lateral and additional projections.

With this approach, a person received about 1 mzV of radiation exposure, which equates to the prophylactic dose that a person should receive in a year. At the same time, 0.5 mSv – when performing fluorography. The rest is from an x-ray of the lungs.

Of course, radiologists could not put up with mass exposure of the population for the purpose of early diagnosis of pneumonia or tuberculosis, and digital fluorography gradually replaced the classical method.

Digital fluorography - how does it differ from conventional fluorography?

Digital fluorography differs from its conventional counterpart not only in the lower radiation dose to the patient, but also in a fundamentally different approach to research. In a classic fluorographic examination, an image is obtained on X-ray film as a result of the passage of ionizing X-rays through the human body. Incorrect selection of exposure modes or screening grid leads to loss of radiograph quality.

The screening grid creates pathological X-ray darkening in the image

What does a lung x-ray show?

X-ray of the lungs, unlike fluorography, shows a clearer picture. The resolution of a classic x-ray allows one to clearly see shadows up to 5 mm in diameter. They can be observed with pneumonia, cancer or tuberculosis. By taking photographs of the chest organs in two projections, it is possible to clearly study the structure of the shadow and make the correct diagnosis.

X-ray examination also allows you to establish the nature of the spot (shadow, darkening), in contrast to fluorographic examination, where the X-ray picture is not so clear.

Digital X-ray of the lungs in frontal and lateral projection

Digital radiograph in frontal and lateral projection (photo): on the lateral image, shadows of calcifications of the ribs are clearly visible, which cannot be seen in direct projection.

Thus, X-ray of the lungs is a complementary method for preventive X-ray examination of the population for tuberculosis, cancer or pneumonia.

For diagnostic purposes (if it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis), a chest x-ray should be performed immediately. Fluorography will not show a clear infiltrative spot in focal pneumonia or miliary tuberculosis.

Digital X-ray diagnostics of lung diseases

Digital X-ray diagnostics of lung diseases is one of the modern methods. It is often confused with fluorographic examination. It is necessary to distinguish between digital fluorography and radiography - these are different diagnostic methods.

X-ray through an electron-optical converter;
Fluorescence radiography;
Selenium x-ray examination.

The essence of the above methods is that the image is not displayed on film, but is captured on a special sensor-converter. The image is subsequently read by electronic devices and software applications.

This approach makes it possible to reduce the radiation dose to the patient, and the study even received a separate name - “low-dose x-ray of the lungs.”

Digital X-ray of the lungs in children. Variants of the normal chest organs on an x-ray

X-ray and fluorography of the lungs for pneumonia - differences and similarities

Often, radiologists are able to detect pneumonia when performing fluorography. This option is possible for infiltrative lesions larger than 5 mm and located in clean areas of the lung fields.

However, after a fluorographic examination when performing an X-ray of the lungs, the assumption of pathological spots in the image is often not confirmed.

In any case, it is impossible to diagnose pneumonia immediately after identifying an infiltrative spot on a fluorogram (even a digital one). The resolution of this examination is too weak. This is how it differs from radiography. At the same time, a beneficial advantage is formed - low radiation exposure to the patient.

X-ray of the lungs for pneumonia is the basic and main diagnostic method. It is carried out if pneumonia is suspected and to determine the dynamics of treatment of the disease.

Diagram of the contours of the mediastinum on a radiograph: they cannot be clearly traced when performing a fluorographic examination

How to detect pneumonia on x-ray

To identify pneumonia on an x-ray, there is a syndrome of single focal darkening. Such spots are more typical for the following conditions:

Hamartoma is a benign tumor of cartilage tissue;
Tuberculoma is a limited tuberculous cavity of the lungs;
Bronchial cysts - expansion of the cavities of the bronchial wall;
Tumor metastases.

X-ray syndrome of single focal darkening can also be detected on a fluorogram. It is characteristic of focal pneumonia.

If such a spot is detected, one cannot definitely say that it is caused by inflammation of the lung tissue, tuberculosis or cancer. To establish a correct diagnosis, a whole range of additional examinations should be carried out. Including laboratory tests.

After comparing the differences and similarities of the X-ray picture with certain diseases, the radiologist forms a conclusion. Young specialists forget about such an important feature of the focal spot as the criteria for benignity. They make it possible to identify a cancerous tumor in the early stages.

In the picture, the arrow indicates encysted pleurisy, which is actually a cancerous infiltrate. The diagnosis became known after puncture of the formation, when conservative treatment did not bring any effect.

Is it possible to detect pneumonia on an X-ray of the lungs?

An X-ray of the lungs can detect pneumonia. There are many practical developments to solve this issue. Detection of infiltrative shadows in the image suggests the presence of the following radiological syndromes:

Single or multiple spots (focal or widespread pneumonia);
Single or double-sided segmental seals;
Lightening and darkening in the image;
Changes in the roots of the lungs.

Focal pneumonia is the minimum structural unit that can be detected on x-ray. Small infiltrative spots (less than 5 mm) are poorly visible on an x-ray and are therefore missed by the radiologist.

Only when the foci merge with each other and larger infiltrates are formed, specific signs of focal or segmental pneumonia are revealed on a chest x-ray.

Which pneumonias cannot be seen on an x-ray:

Small focal;
Deeply located small infiltrates;
With strong airiness of the lung tissue.

Radiologists clearly distinguish infiltrative spots from other X-ray symptoms. We recommend that patients remember the following radiological signs of inflammation of the lung tissue:

Medium intensity lesions;
The contours of the infiltrates are not clear;
The pulmonary pattern is enhanced (reaches the edge of the pulmonary fields);
The root is expanded or compacted.

With focal or segmental pneumonia, infiltrative spots are often localized in the lower parts of the lungs. Around them, the radiograph shows a mesh-cellular deformation of the pulmonary pattern. Along the areas of infiltration, shadows of the bronchi in the form of white stripes may be visible - “parallel pavement” syndrome.

Thus, radiography and fluorography have different tasks and purposes. Your doctor will tell you when to use one method or another.

Doctors say that x-rays are more informative and safer. Let's take a closer look.

X-ray or fluorography: what is the difference?

To find out which study is necessary in each specific case - x-ray or fluorography, we will consider each method. Fluorography is a diagnostic technique that involves capturing images of shadows from a radiographic screen or optical device onto a small format film (about 1x1 centimeter in size).

Fluorography is accompanied by a fairly high dose of radiation, since the screen of the device is less sensitive compared to x-rays. To obtain a fluorogram (picture on a reduced scale), an X-ray fluorographic apparatus is used. It represents the interaction of three parts: a protective booth, a fluorograph and a source of ionizing radiation.

Fluorography is a fairly popular technique; it is often used for examination in cases of suspected tuberculosis, oncology and other pathologies of the bronchi and lungs.

For medical institutions, fluorography has the undoubted advantage of low cost, which is why it is widely used for general preventive examinations. However, the radiation dose received should not be too high, so fluorography can be done no more than once a year.

X-rays are considered more informative, so they are often used to confirm various diseases, as well as to track the development of pathology or the effect of treatment over time.

X-rays are performed using an X-ray machine. Its main part is an X-ray tube that forms the irradiating flow. Negatively charged electrons are generated by the cathode and strike the anode (a plate with a positive charge) at high speed. A beam of X-ray rays penetrates the tissues of the human body and then acts on the film.

X-rays provide slightly less radiation exposure to the body. Fluorography is a photograph similar to radiography, only in a much smaller size. It is performed not only on film, but also in digital format (modern version).

Thus, it becomes obvious that x-rays and fluorography are different research techniques. But any can be used in modern medical examination.

Fluorography or radiography: what to choose

Some experts are of the opinion that x-rays can be performed an unlimited number of times if necessary to monitor the dynamics of the disease. They believe: X-rays are not as dangerous as is commonly believed. But there are strict restrictions for it regarding children, patients with cancer pathologies, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. For them, x-rays should be limited or banned altogether.

Fluorography is an outdated method, but is still used in low-budget clinics. Best suited for detecting tuberculosis and cancerous tumors. In modern treatment centers, it is mainly replaced by more accurate testing methods.

The principle underlying the two surveys is identical, but there are significant differences between them. X-ray and fluorography: differences in diagnostics:

X-ray is more accurate;
when performing fluorography, the radiation dose is higher;
Fluorography shows exclusively the general condition of the lungs and heart muscle;
X-rays are good for recording changes;
With an x-ray, the image is obtained on a special radiographic film. During fluorography, the image appears on the screen, after which a photograph is taken;
Fluorography is much cheaper.

What is the difference between fluorography and radiography in detecting pneumonia?

When performing fluorography, pneumonia can be detected if infiltrative foci are located in clear areas of the lung fields and have a size exceeding 0.5 cm. But after a clarifying x-ray, the supposed pathological spots on the image are often not confirmed.

Therefore, even digital fluorography cannot be the basis for diagnosing pneumonia. This is due to the rather low resolution, which does not provide accurate data. Doctors believe that this is the main difference between fluorography and x-rays.

When diagnosing pneumonia, x-rays are considered the basic technique. It is used for symptoms indicating the presence of pneumonia, as well as to monitor recovery.

Many people often wonder: what is the difference between X-ray and fluorography? Some believe that these are the same thing, others believe that different radiation is used, and still others even suggest that these are two radically different methods of examining the chest. So, in order not to mislead anyone, let’s look in detail at what differences exist between fluorography and x-rays.

What is fluorography

X-ray photo of the lungs.

First you need to understand what fluorography is. In simple terms, the photography method is used here. Radioactive rays, passing through the chest, are transformed and change their length, due to which they become visible and are focused on a special film.

The result is an image that gives an overview of the health of vital organs behind the chest, such as the heart and lungs. However, with serious deviations, pathologies of the thymus and bronchi can be identified. As for carrying out this procedure for other organs, the technique is practically not used.

Recently, it is increasingly possible to make fluorograms using digital imaging equipment. The result in this case will be more reliable, and the radiation dose will be very small. But today, not all modern clinics could afford to move to a new level of fluorography.

X-ray of the lungs for tuberculosis.

In Russia, an annual examination has been introduced at the legislative level to detect tuberculosis. Using this method, it is possible to identify dangerous areas, suspected pneumonia or neoplasms in them. To see a clearer picture and confirm or refute the presumptive diagnosis in case of poor screening results, the person is usually sent for an x-ray. This is where the question arises: which is better - or an x-ray of the lungs.

What is the difference between X-ray and fluorography?

X-raying the body with X-rays is a more accurate and reliable way to learn about the health of the lungs and heart. The degree of radiation exposure during screening is two times less than during fluorogram. As a result, we get a life-size photograph, which gives a complete picture, unlike a fluorogram.

What is the difference between X-rays and fluorography, why, given the many advantages, is it legally mandated that the second method should be completed annually, and not the first? Everything is quite simple - the main difference between lung X-ray and fluorography is the price.

One x-ray and six fluorography results will cost the same.

In per capita terms, the difference is significant. But for a healthy person, the radiation received from fluorography once a year does not cause any harm, and if any disease is suspected, the patient will be sent for an x-ray.

Radiation doses

When talking about the difference between fluorography and X-ray of the lungs, the question of radiation doses always comes up. As for film cameras, their radiation is much more powerful than digital ones, but it does not exceed acceptable standards and is not capable of causing harm to health (unless, of course, you follow the rules and do not conduct research more often than required).

Radiation doses from x-rays and fluorography.

Digital X-ray and without harm to health. But still, X-rays are not exactly something that is useful for the body, so this procedure should be taken very seriously. When planning a pregnancy, it is best to do fluorography in advance so that during pregnancy you do not have to expose your unborn child to radiation. If there is an urgent need for a pregnant woman, it is better to take an x-ray.

With the digital method of examination, the radiation dose is almost the same for both fluorogram and x-ray, but to be precise, in the first case more harm is done to the body (0.5 mSv compared to 0.26 mSv). Doses for digital fluorography and radiography are 0.05 and 0.03 mSv, respectively.

How does fluorography differ from x-rays of the lungs in terms of effectiveness? Fluorography in this case is a superficial general study, from the image of which we can talk about a possible pathology or, in advanced cases of the disease, about a specific pathology. X-ray is a more in-depth and high-quality examination that will show the disease at an early stage of its development, which will significantly facilitate the treatment of the disease.

Fluorography is sufficient for prevention and monitoring of health status, and x-rays are more often used for in-depth diagnostics (when there are already indications for this).

Fluorography and X-ray of the lungs are the most popular ways to study the condition of the internal organs of the chest. Many people believe that these terms mean the same thing, however, there are several fundamental differences between the two procedures.

The essence of a fluorographic examination is to obtain a photograph of an image of the shadow of organs.

The photograph can be taken on film or digitally, however, the first method is considered obsolete these days. In the case of an X-ray examination, a photograph of a specific internal organ of the chest is taken. An X-ray of the chest organs allows you to obtain a direct projection of the organ, while during a fluorographic examination, only the shadow of the internal organ is visible in the image. The clarity of the image of a specific object in the first case is much higher than in the second, however, with digital fluorography of the lungs, the patient receives a significantly lower dose of radiation exposure.

It is worth noting that both types of examination refer to the radiographic method, however, the choice of method depends on the specific case and the reason for the examination. Next, we will take a closer look at the difference between fluorography and x-ray of the lungs.

More about fluorography

Most modern people periodically undergo such examinations. In the Russian Federation and most CIS countries, this procedure is mandatory. People are not forced into the hospital, but it is recommended to undergo fluorography of the lungs at least once a year, and if the examination was not carried out in a timely manner, the doctor will definitely require it to be completed before providing any medical services. Without a conclusion about the examination completed, it is impossible to obtain a single certificate.

The procedure became mandatory after the rapid spread of tuberculosis in the territory of the former USSR. In order to curb the massive spread of the disease among the population, the authorities obliged all citizens to check their lung condition once a year. However, the development of tuberculosis is not the only problem that can be detected using this diagnostic method. Fluorographic examination can detect a number of life-threatening chest diseases. This examination is not aimed at assessing the condition of a specific organ, but to obtain a panoramic photograph of the chest organs, which allows one to assess the general condition of all the insides obtained in the photograph.

Fluorography was first done in the Soviet Union in the 30s of the last century. Doctors from the country of the Soviets convinced the authorities of the benefits of the procedure. The ability to prevent many dangerous diseases of the respiratory system and heart through early detection has made fluorography very effective in combating the spread of many diseases, however, the regularity of the examination plays a decisive role in the timely identification of danger. These days, this method is mandatory in most countries around the world.

It is a well-known fact that there are always long queues outside the fluorography room.

Many patients rush to ask hospital staff to take an x-ray as an alternative. However, it is not safe. In the case of fluorography, the level of radiation exposure is so low that to exceed the permissible preventive level of radiation it is necessary to attend more than 1000 sessions per year. Radiation exposure during an X-ray examination is more than a hundred times higher than the level of radiation during fluorography.

There are two types of fluorographic examination:

digital;
traditional.

The first method involves the use of modern microprocessor technology to study the results. The photo is saved to the computer's memory, not to film. Such a study makes it possible to use additional software for more accurate analysis of the results, and also allows for higher image clarity. Nowadays, all domestic clinics are recommended to completely switch to the use of modern digital technologies, however, in Russia, as well as in neighboring countries, a huge number of hospitals are still equipped with outdated technologies.

The traditional type involves obtaining an image on photographic film. In this case, the radiation intensity is much higher, however, the throughput of diagnostic rooms also increases (compared to radiography, but not digital fluorography).

Differences in X-ray examination

The main difference between x-rays is the high quality and expansion of the resulting image. This is an alternative to the previously described method, which allows you to obtain more detailed and accurate results. The image clarity with this diagnostic method is more than two and a half times higher. If a screening examination is carried out for the purpose of prevention, then a person is referred to a radiologist if there is a suspicion of specific diseases. The high level of radiation exposure is the most dangerous thing that distinguishes this method from fluorography. If you need to do a detailed analysis of the condition of a specific organ, then it is also worth assessing the benefit of the examination and weighing it against the damage that short-term, but very intense radiation exposure causes.

It is believed that the radiology laboratories of many modern clinics have equipment that is significantly outdated in comparison with the technological progress of Western medicine.

There are two types of chest x-ray:

survey;
sighting.

The first allows you to evaluate all the internal elements of the chest; this is an overview image that allows you to analyze in detail all the tissues. A targeted image is aimed at obtaining an image of the tissues of a separate area or organ. This approach allows you to examine a specific area in more detail.

What's better to do

Each patient must decide which method to choose independently. It is worth remembering the possible high doses of radiation that the body receives during x-rays, but also do not forget about the relatively low accuracy of the results obtained in the fluorography room.

There are many ailments that can only be examined in detail using x-rays. For pneumonia, this diagnostic method is recommended; it may also be necessary to examine the lungs in different planes. A detailed photograph will help to study even the smallest pathological changes in the structure of tissues, which will help to assess the damage caused by the disease. Pneumonia is a fairly common disease from which no one is immune. When assessing the risks of radiation exposure, it is worth remembering the deadly threat this disease poses.

X-rays are done not only in case of signs of inflammatory processes. The procedure is prescribed if there is suspicion of the development of tumor processes in the lungs. Lung cancer is a deadly disease, which is very important to detect in time for a positive outcome. There is a need for x-rays for chest injuries, suspected tuberculosis, and various heart diseases.

It is always worth remembering that fluorography is only a general examination, which does not provide detailed information, but only allows you to detect signs of a problem.

If suspicion arises, a more in-depth study must be carried out, which is only possible with the help of x-rays.

Where to sign up

On our website, anyone can sign up for the necessary diagnostic procedure. To do this, select the desired locality at the top of the site, and then click on the required procedure in the “Diagnostics” section. Next, a list of available clinics will be offered, opposite each of which an online registration will be offered.

The user only needs to select the date and time of the appointment, and then enter personal information. You can also order a call back from our online consultants, who will help you with your choice over the phone.

Fluorography and X-ray of the lungs, what are the differences and similarities, should be considered based on the purposes of the study. FLG is a preventive examination, R graph is used to clarify the diagnosis.

X-rays of light

Radiography – obtaining a projection of an image of internal organs on film using x-rays.

A detailed method that provides more information in contrast to fluorography. Allows you to make and clarify the diagnosis.

Indications for radiography

The reasons for performing a chest x-ray are:

How is radiography performed?

X-rays of the lungs are performed in a specially designated room in a hospital, clinic, or tuberculosis dispensary.

The conditions for the procedure are a bare chest, no jewelry on the neck, and raised hair. The result is a radiograph.

The following types of radiography are distinguished:

According to experts, the most accurate images are obtained with a shutter speed of 0.1 to 0.15 seconds. Modern powerful equipment has such characteristics.

What information does an x-ray provide?

This diagnostic method allows you to clarify the shape, structure, and position of internal organs.

The result is a black and white x-ray, which shows shadows, features, damage, indicating deviations from the norm and what caused them. The rays record the residual effects of the disease.

Contraindications

Like any radiation research technique, fluoroscopy has contraindications:

In childhood, x-rays are not advisable, but they are done in situations where there is suspicion of pneumonia and other critical situations. If possible, the child is prescribed a computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound examination.

Fluorography

Fluorography is a technique for photographing the chest organs and displaying the image on film or a computer screen using the properties of x-rays.

When is fluorography performed?

Obtaining a fluorographic image is included in the mandatory list of examinations during the annual medical examination of the adult population, as well as during the hiring commission. Illumination of the lungs is offered to people who do not have an indication for an x-ray.

How is fluorography done?

Fluorography is done on special equipment in a separate room. The patient undresses to the waist, removes metal jewelry located in the chest area, and women raise their hair. During the photo, the healthcare professional will instruct you to hold your breath.

In fluoro, as in radiography, a film or digital image is taken. The film version is more harmful, as it is made using cheap equipment and gives a large dose of radiation.

A hidden camera on expensive equipment allows you to save a photo to your computer, print it and archive it.

Information content of the method

This study is preventive. It gives a general image of the lungs, which shows whether the person is healthy or has abnormalities. If abnormalities are detected, a chest x-ray is then prescribed to clarify the diagnosis.

Contraindications

Fluorography is contraindicated in pregnant women and children under 16 years of age. The radiation dose may have a negative impact on the condition of the fetus. As for examining children, it is possible to do fluorography, but it will not be informative.

Radiation doses from X-ray studies

Equivalent effective doses (EED) of radiation in the diagnosis of diseases of the chest organs in the context of methods are presented in the table.

From the data presented in the table, differences between x-rays and fluorography in the doses of radiation received are visible. The values are within the normal range, but judging by the numbers, radiography is safer.

Interchangeability of methods and their differences

Talking about which is better: fluorography or radiography is not entirely correct.

Both methods are X-ray, but they are not the same, they are not interchangeable.

X-ray allows you to diagnose the disease, find out the stage of its development and gives an idea of the extent of organ damage.
Fluorography It also gives a general picture of the condition of the chest organs, information about the presence or absence of pathologies. Based on its results, one cannot judge about pneumonia.

The operating principle of the fluorographic apparatus is characterized by less detail and the provision of a reduced image of the OGK. The fluorogram has the shape of a square with a maximum side size of 10 cm. A small-frame image has side sizes of 35 and 25 mm.

An X-ray image differs from the results of fluorography; it is more accurate and larger. X-ray produces a life-size image. This is a good diagnosis, giving a projection of organs that is convenient for a doctor to decipher.

X-rays are not done instead of fluorography, since the first option requires indications and a referral from the attending physician.

X-ray and chest fluorography are not the same thing. X-ray is a study in which rays pass through the tissues of an organ, and as a result, the image appears on a film image. In fluorography, the finished image is photographed from a fluorescent screen or transmitted to a special digital receiver. The first method is rarely used in real diagnostics because it is “old-fashioned”.

How are diseases detected through x-rays?

X-ray shows higher effectiveness in detecting pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchitis, pleurisy, and oncology. This study also reveals changes inside the bronchi and in the mediastinum. A normal X-ray of the lungs should include:

- Lung fields are black (the same size on both sides).
White gap from the heart in the center.
Gray color of ribs and collarbones.
The diaphragm domes are white.
The spine is in the center.

Signs by which pathological changes in the lungs are determined:

- White spots form in the area of the lung space.
The usual outlines of the sternum, heart or spinal column change.
In the area of the pulmonary lobes, ring-shaped cavity formations are noted.
White stripes in the lower pleural region.

Differences between fluorography and radiography

Fluorography is useful in detecting abnormal changes in the lungs in the early stages. After this, if a disease is suspected, an X-ray of the lungs is prescribed in two projections: frontal and lateral. The main difference between these methods is that radiography gives a brighter and clearer picture of what is happening in the chest.

Why then use fluorography if x-rays show the results more accurately? Firstly, fluorographic examination has a lower radiation exposure. Secondly, it is less expensive for hospital budgets.

Features of fluorography

With frequent x-rays, the body runs the risk of overloading with harmful radiation. Fluorography is a diagnostic method for monitoring lung health, which is indicated for every person. These measures are relevant for countries where the number of people suffering from tuberculosis and cancer is greater. The Commonwealth of Independent States is primarily included in this list. At the same time, fluorography has long been replaced by more accurate research methods, such as MRI, CT and digital radiography.

There is a difference between fluorography and preventive chest radiography:

- On fluorographic images only the outlines of the shadows of anomalous formations are visible.
X-ray images are obtained in better resolution.
With X-rays, the patient is irradiated 10 times more than with fluorography.
Fluorography is not performed on children under 16 years of age.
During X-rays, not only the lungs, but also nearby organs receive radiation.

For whom are x-rays and fluorography contraindicated? Since the principle underlying the acquisition of images is the same for both procedures, the same categories of people are subject to contraindications. First of all, these are pregnant women, children under 16 years of age, patients with cancer in the last stage, those who have developed radiation sickness, and also people with low immunity.

Which procedure is preferable?

There is no clear answer to this question. The procedures complement each other. For example, fluorography revealed suspicious shadows, but it was impossible to say with certainty why they appeared due to a blurred image. In such cases, to confirm the diagnosis, radiography is performed, which allows one to obtain clear images with a detailed image of the pathology.

How often can I undergo radiography and fluorography?

Undoubtedly, radiography involves some radiation exposure to the body, so it is prescribed only in cases of urgent need. There are situations when the patient is required to constantly take photographs for diagnostic purposes. In this case, doctors are guided by the following rule: the benefits obtained from x-rays must be higher than the risks and consequences.

Fluorography is performed only once a year for the purpose of preventive examination. Sometimes it is prescribed for a preliminary examination of the lungs, if pneumonia or other inflammatory processes are suspected.

X-ray or fluorography? Which procedure is more effective and reliable? To get answers, you first need to understand what x-rays are and what fluorography is, what they have in common and whether there are differences between them.

What is an X-ray?

X-ray is method of radiation examination of human internal organs. The use of this method is widely used in medicine and allows the doctor to make the correct diagnosis of the patient. The tissues of the human body absorb X-rays in different ways - this makes it possible to study the structure of internal organs and the skeleton.

An X-ray image can be compared in some ways to a camera, but in an ordinary camera light is refracted, which is focused on the film and an image is formed there. But X-ray radiation is almost impossible to focus, so the operation of an X-ray machine is more like printing a photograph, when a negative is placed on paper and illuminated for a moment. In this case, the human body acts as a negative, and a special photographic film acts as paper.

There are two main directions in the use of X-rays in medicine:

X-ray diagnostics – used to identify diseases.
X-ray therapy is used for the treatment of tumor diseases.

What is fluorography?

Fluorography is an x-ray research method that involves capturing a visible image that is formed as a result of the passage of x-rays through the human body. Fluorography is used for mass medical examinations. This procedure is carried out to examine the chest organs, identify diseases of the human respiratory system, and mammary glands in women.

Thanks to fluorography, it is possible to detect pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis and malignant formations such as cancer at an early stage. Many of these diseases occur without pronounced symptoms and sometimes the presence of the disease can be detected only through fluorography.

There are two types of fluorography:

Film - X-rays allow you to transfer an image onto a special film from a large screen.
Digital – allows you to view the image on digital media. It is gradually replacing film technology, as the radiation exposure on a person is reduced, while being cheaper to use and simplifying work.

What do fluorography and x-rays have in common?

Many people do not see the difference between x-rays and fluorography, since the principle of operation of both for people without medical education is the same:

The image of the object under study is displayed on a special film from a large screen.
The patient receives radiation exposure both during x-rays and fluorography.
Both methods allow you to diagnose the presence or absence of diseases, albeit to varying degrees.

But what these procedures have in common is that they are both radiographic examination methods.

What are the differences between fluorography and x-rays?

The operating principle of the two procedures is the same, only x-rays provide more accurate information than fluorography, which only gives a general idea of the object being examined. And this is not the only thing that distinguishes one procedure from another:

With x-rays, the patient receives a much lower dose of radiation than with fluorography, which makes it safer for the patient.
X-ray, unlike fluorography, is not limited to the chest organs, but also covers other areas of the body.
X-rays are more accurate and contain more information, since the quality of images taken during fluorography is lower due to their small size.
X-rays are more expensive than fluorography.
Fluorography is a preventive method, x-ray is a deep examination and is prescribed exclusively by a doctor.
Some experts believe that x-rays can be done more than once if necessary, while fluorography is recommended to be done no more than once a year.

It is worth noting that fluorography is considered an outdated diagnostic method and is used solely because it is cheap to operate compared to the more informative x-ray. But at the same time, thanks to digital fluorography, it is possible to reduce the radiation dose to the level of an x-ray, since with the help of special programs you can enlarge individual fragments without losing the quality of the image itself.