How Much Does XRay Cost In Ghana

 A powerful invisible ray made up of very short waves that is somewhat similar to light and that is able to pass through some solids and acts on photographic film like light.A photograph taken by the use of X-rays an X-ray of the lungs. x-ray.X rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate or pass through the human body and produce shadow-like images of bones and some organs. The images can reveal signs of disease and injury.

How Much Does XRay Cost In Ghana

Given that the average cost of XRay in Ghana is about GHC 200.

How Safe Are X Rays?

Adverse effects from radiation dose absorbed in diagnostic practice are rare. For example, the radiation dose absorbed from a simple X ray examination such as a chest X ray (radiograph) or an X ray of the skull, abdomen, pelvic region, arms, shoulder or knees is quite low and is smaller than that received annually from natural sources. Even at these low levels of radiation exposure, it cannot be excluded that the dose could cause cancer or genetic effects. There is no practical evidence of such effects from any human studies to date, but the theoretical possibility cannot be ruled out.

What Are The Possible Effects Of Radiation On My Health?

Most diagnostic investigations will not have an adverse effect. Procedures with higher doses such as CT, interventional procedures or multiple exposures could lead to biological effects in some cases. A higher absorbed dose means a higher risk for adverse effects – the relationship is almost linear. Adverse effects could include skin redness, infertility, cataracts and hair loss. There are no reports of radiation exposure in diagnostic and interventional procedures causing infertility or cataracts. Patients undergoing interventional procedures that require fluoroscopy that lasts one hour or more could in very rare cases experience radiation induced skin injuries (erythema). Diagnostic X rays and nuclear medicine examinations lead to a slightly increased risk of cancer. This risk increases with the magnitude of the dose and with the number of procedures.

How Do I Know If The X Ray Facility Is Safe To Perform The Procedure?

X ray equipment should be maintained by qualified staff and periodically tested. Radiation safety includes management of the doses patients are exposed to. Some organizations and agencies accredit facilities that fulfil safety related criteria.

How Will I Know If I Am Getting The Radiation Dose That Is Needed And No More?

The following principles are helpful:

  • Each examination should be justified. Benefits and risks of the intended examination or procedure should be considered, and the possibility of using other methods that do not involve radiation exposure should be explored. This is the principle of justification;
  • Once justified, the examination should be performed with minimal radiation dose. This requires achieving adequate image quality while keeping the exposure as low as reasonably achievable. This is the principle of optimization and ALARA;
  • The radiation dose could be compared with regional, national or international reference levels that indicate approximate dose levels for different medical procedures;
  • Unnecessary repeat examinations should be avoided. Repeat examinations are sometimes needed to monitor progress, particularly with cancer treatment.

What Alternative Investigations Are Available That Do Not Use X Rays Or Radioactivity?

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) do not use X rays or radioactivity. Ultrasound is  useful for examining the pelvis and abdomen, particularly in pregnancy, and  for the breast, testes and soft tissues of the neck and limbs. Where available, MRI is increasingly used for scanning the head, spine and joints. 

Can I Undergo X Ray Investigations While I Am Pregnant?

Yes, but with certain precautions. 

The aim is to minimize  the unborn child’s radiation exposure. An unborn child is considered to be more sensitive than adults or children to potential adverse radiation effects. For many investigations such as X ray examinations of the head (including dental X rays), the chest and limbs, the dose to an unborn child would be very low as the patient’s pelvic region is not exposed to the X ray beam. All medically justified procedures can be conducted. Doctors may consider delaying  procedures that would put the pelvic region and the unborn child in the direct path of the X ray beam, particularly fluoroscopy or CT investigations. If the procedure is essential to the mother’s health, the doctors take special actions to keep the dose to the unborn child as low as possible. For example, pregnant patients can have their pelvic regions’ shielded during the procedure as an added precaution.