X-ray (radiography) is a quick, safe and painless test that produces images of bones, lungs, some of your soft tissue and internal organs.

The images produced help your doctor to diagnose and treat bone fractures, joint injuries, arthritis and many conditions involving the chest.

The History of X-ray

Wilhelm Roentgen, a German professor of physics, discovered x-rays in 1895 while experimenting with the passing of an electric current through gases at extremely low pressure. He observed that certain rays were being emitted which were able to penetrate cardboard, wood and even the human body. He used a photographic plate and was able to capture the first x-ray, his wife’s hand.

Digital vs. Film

There are several important advantages of digital x-ray over film x-ray (conventional radiography). During a digital x-ray, images are recorded on digital image capture devices much like a digital camera. These images can immediately be stored, viewed, enhanced or transferred. During a film x-ray, the film must be developed in a dark room which takes much longer, and the images are not in digital format. More importantly, digital x-ray uses less radiation and produces clearer images with better contrast and resolution.

During an x-ray, beams are produced by a special x-ray tube, sort of like a supercharged light bulb. The beams are sent through the body to highly specialized digital sensor plates, similar to those in a digital camera, only much larger.

Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense materials like bones appear white on an x-ray, while soft tissue such as fat and muscle are varying shades of gray. Lungs are mostly filled with air and appear almost black.

A computer then processes and records the images taken without any film being utilized. These electronically stored images are easily accessible and can be compared to other x-ray studies as needed.

Although you do not need an appointment for an X-ray, you can request an appointment online or call us to book your appointment.

Bring with you to your appointment:

Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.

Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if you:

The technologist will position your body based on the type of x-ray being performed. You may be asked to stand, sit or lie down on the x-ray table.

A lead apron may be placed over your pelvis or breasts to protect from radiation. The part of your body being evaluated will be exposed to radiation for a fraction of a second to create the image.

Our radiologic technologists are trained to use the least amount of radiation possible to produce an image that will help with diagnosis. During a digital x-ray, the amount of radiation received is extremely low. Furthermore, our modern digital x-ray systems have tightly controlled x-ray beams and dose control methods to minimize radiation.

One of our board certified radiologists interprets your X-ray images, compares them to any previous studies and dictates a report which is transcribed, proofread and signed.

The report is then faxed and mailed to your referring doctor within one or two days. Your doctor will read the report and review the findings with you.

All of your signed reports and images are available to your referring doctor.