General Radiography (X-ray)

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Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal organs or bone.  X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, and are invisible and create no sensation when they pass through the body. When x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts by different parts of the anatomy. The ribs and spine, for example, absorb much of the radiation and appear white or light gray on the image. Lung tissue absorbs little radiation and appears dark on the image.  Chest x-rays will be maintained as film-less digital images that are archived electronically and will be transferred for storage onto CD-ROM.

X-ray imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bones, cracked skulls and injured backbones. At least two films are taken of a bone and often three films if the problem is around a joint (knee, elbow, or wrist). X-ray is useful in detecting more advanced forms of cancer in bones. Very early cancer findings require other methods.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

The radiography equipment consists of a large, flat table with a drawer that holds an x-ray film cassette into which a film is placed.  Suspended above the table is an apparatus that holds the x-ray tube which can be moved over the body to direct the x-ray.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

NWDC Diagnostic Imaging has an agreement with a group of board-certified radiologists to facilitate our procedures and interpret the results.  A diagnostic report will be sent to your doctor within forty-eight (48) hours of your procedure.  In the event of an abnormal test result, the radiologist will contact your doctor's office by telephone.

PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE

There is no special preparation required for most bone or respiratory x-rays.  We would always want to be informed if there is any possibility that your female patient is pregnant.  Patients will be asked to remove all metallic jewelry that may interfere with the x-rays. The technologist will ask the patient to be still and to take a deep breath and hold it. Breath-holding after a deep breath reduces the possibility of a blurred image, and also enhances the quality of the x-ray image, since abnormalities in air-filled lungs for chest x-rays are easier to see than in deflated lungs. Next, the technologist walks into a cubicle to activate the radiographic equipment, which sends a beam of x-rays from the x-ray source through the patient, to the recording medium (digital cassette).

The technologist may need to take additional views to properly see all parts of the area being examined and with digital imaging, exchange or refresh the digital receptor periodically throughout the exam. Views from other angles may be obtained if the radiologist needs to evaluate additional areas. When the x-rays are completed the patient will be asked to wait until the technologist checks the images for motion and makes sure that the entire area being examined is included.