Digital X-Ray

X-rays are the most common form of imaging tests, utilized to view the body’s internal structures without making an incision. The test helps physicians/doctors identify fractures, arthritis, tumors, lung fluid or pneumonia, and more.

X-rays utilize negligible amounts of radiation to construct images and should not cause any damage to an adult or child. When you have an x-ray, you may wear a lead apron to guard certain parts of your body.

Your doctor may order an X-ray to:

• Examine an area where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort
• Monitor the progression of a diagnosed disease, such as osteoporosis
• Check how well a prescribed treatment is working.

But x-rays are also used to diagnose other issues. For instance, chest x-rays can spot pneumonia.
Common conditions that call for an x-ray include:

• Conditions affecting your heart and lungs
• To rule out fractures
• Osteoporosis, joint swelling
• Needing to retrieve swallowed items

A technologist is a person specially trained to perform radiology examinations. He/She positions the patient on the x-ray table and positions the x-ray film holder or digital recording plate beneath the table in the area of the body being imaged.

There are no particular preparations for a diagnostic X-Ray exam. The technologist will confirm your identity and review requested. The test should not cause any significant uneasiness. In some cases, you may need to take a contrast material or “contrast dye” before your X-ray. This is a substance that will help improve the quality of the images. Depending on the reason for the X-ray, the contrast dye may be given in different ways, via a liquid that you swallow or injected into your body.

If you’re pregnant or believe you could be pregnant, tell your doctor before you have an X-ray. They may suggest a different imaging method.

X-rays use small amounts of radiation to create images of your body. The level of radiation exposure is considered safe for most adults. If you ingest a contrast material before your X-ray, it may cause side effects. These include itching, nausea, lightheadedness or a metallic taste in your mouth. In very rare cases, the dye can cause a severe reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, very low blood pressure, or cardiac arrest. If you suspect you’re having a severe reaction, contact your doctor immediately.

At RxDx, we use Digital x-ray – a form of X-Ray in which the images are acquired digitally. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to transfer and enhance quality images using low radiation digitally. X-ray Service at Whitefield is available 24/7. While the films can be collected immediately after the scan, the patient will receive the report via email within a turnaround time of 3 hours.