ABSTRACT
Visual monitoring of electron production in the glow discharge of early ion tubes by radiographers became obsolete with the advent of Coolidge tubes in 1913. The bright yellow glow of the large anode of a modern computed tomography tube might be a frightening sight for patients. Thus, tightly enclosed protective means against leakage radiation and the risk of implosion along with sophisticated mechanical and electrical interfaces have been introduced for medical X-ray sources. Leakage technique factors are not to be shown physically on the assembly but may be read from the accompanying mandatory documents that specify important safety aspects as well as limitations of use such as maximum continuous heat dissipation, which shall match with provisions against leakage radiation. Patients and staff have to be shielded from about 99% of the emitted bremsstrahlung, which would not be sensed by an image receptor.
