A Brief History of Radiology
How much do you know about the history of radiologic technology? Meet the pioneers and the imaging equipment that have shaped radiology today.
How much do you know about life-saving medical methods? For over a century, radiology has given surgeons worldwide detailed and real-time information to guide even the most highly complex surgical procedures.
And as this highly commended healthcare equipment encounters a substantial percentage of the population year after year, it highlights the significance of radiology, with the Royal College of Radiologists estimating that around 80% of hospital pathways rely on medical imaging.
So, to understand more about this medical phenomenon, read on to discover the history of radiologic technology as one of the most significant healthcare staples of modern history.
The History of Radiologic Technology
The history of radiology has seen significant scientific movements, changing the face and blueprint of healthcare by enabling medical professionals to make the invisible visible.
But how did we get here?
Why is It Called Radiology?
Radiology is a word familiar to the medical imaging field. But have you ever considered what it means when broken down? Radiation is the act or process of emitting light, and it comes from the Latin word “radiotionem” (meaning shining radiation).
On the other hand, ‘-ology’ is a word-forming element indicating a branch of knowledge, particularly in science. So, together we have what’s become the well-known word, radiology.
The Pioneers of Radiology
The history of radiology includes significant moments of success and progression in the medical world. There are famous and esteemed pioneers that need to be acknowledged and credited for this equipment that society now relies on.
But a name that started it all is German Engineer Wilhelm Rontgen. He was the first person to discover the X-ray in 1895.
Rontgen’s discovery occurred by accident in his lab in Germany when he was testing whether cathode rays could pass through glass. When doing this, he noticed a glow coming from a nearby chemically coated screen. He then named these rays, X-rays, to underline that their nature was unknown.
The German scientist conducted several experiments to understand his discovery further. From these findings, he learned that X-rays penetrate human skin but not higher-density substances.
It proved a medical miracle and he became one of the founding pioneers of radiology. He has been honoured with a Nobel Prize, medals, and honorary doctorates. He even has streets named after him to commemorate the work we now depend on.
History of Radiology Timeline
Following this incredible discovery, hospitals across the globe started to open X-ray rooms. A Glasgow hospital was the first to add a radiology department in 1896. Something so familiar and vital to us now was unheard of over a century ago.
As the technology was researched and advanced, more discoveries surfaced. An American doctor then managed to use X-rays to trace food as it made its way through the digestive tract, and sometime in the 1900s, Thomas Edison developed fluoroscopy so that doctors could see body parts and movement in detail on a monitor.
And across the decades that followed, scientists progressed this technology to new levels and more pioneers of radiology were born. Let’s look at some key dates that led to the medical imaging equipment we see in hospitals around the globe:
1958
In 1958, Ian Donald developed the first ultrasound for medical use. He used it to observe and monitor the health and growth of foetuses and investigate lumps, cysts, and fibroids. This incredible scientist also developed the first portable ultrasound with engineer Tom Brown.
1961
In another crucial year in the history of radiology, James Robertson built the first single-plane Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. This highly sufficient, powerful piece of equipment now uses radiotracers to assess organ and tissue functions.
1971
Another pioneer of radiology, Godfrey Hounsfield built the prototype of a CT machine (computerised tomography). The first CT scan was at Atkinson Morley Hospital in Wimbledon in the same year as part of a brain scan. CT scans then became widely available by 1980.
1977
With its ability to image the internal organs and the body functions without using X-rays, the MRI is one of the most recognised medical breakthroughs in recent history. The first MRI exam on a human patient was on July 3rd, 1977, and its development led to a Nobel Prize in 2003 for Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield.
Raymond Damadian also plays a principal role in the history of the MRI. Damadian was among those who thought NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) might help with the early detection of cancers. Doctors and healthcare services continue to use these imaging techniques today to examine most areas of the body.
As science, studies, and equipment have evolved, radiology has become more accurate and effective. And today, the medical imaging field is still advancing, thanks to computer technology and AI (artificial intelligence).
We see medical professionals rely on these techniques developed throughout history to diagnose, treat, and guide patients throughout the medical journey, whatever the condition or requirements.
Speak to a Specialist with a Longstanding History in Radiology
Established for over 85 years, Wolverson X-Ray is a leading independent supplier of innovative imaging equipment and associated healthcare products.
Our long history of radiology is founded upon providing excellent service and application support to our customers and delivering the best products and solutions that are safe and reliable. To understand this equipment further before purchasing, you can speak to a specialist here at Wolverson X-ray to get all the information and guidance you need.
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