Would An X Ray Tube Be Able To Tolerate An

Posted on Tue, 14 Apr 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 Answered on

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Question : Would an x ray tube be able to tolerate an exposure of 20 mSv? I am aware that x rays don't go that high normally , but if an exposure hypothetically reached 20 mSv would the tube be overheated from such a high exposure?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
X-ray tube can not withstand that much heat damage.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
X-ray to tubes are designed in way to withstand high temperature. However if excessive heat is produced in the x-ray tube, the temperature will rise above critical values, and the tube can be damaged.
The same principal is used for CT scan by it has got protective mechanism to prevent heat damage.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (11 hours later)

So for a dose as high as 20 mSv, the x ray tube cannot withstand that much heat damage , correct

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Correct.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Theoretically X-ray tube can not withstand a larger dose of 20mSv which is, in fact, larger than a CT scan.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee