Digital Radiography (X-Ray)
What is an X-ray (Radiography)?
An x-ray (radiograph) is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat many medical conditions. Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
What are X-rays used for?
X-rays are used to evaluate and diagnose abnormalities in almost every part of the body. For example, chest X-rays are used to evaluate the lungs, heart, and chest wall. It can help diagnose diseases such as pneumonia, emphysema, heart failure, and cancer. Bone X-rays can help determine if a bone has been fractured or if a joint is dislocated. It can also help evaluate changes in bones and guide orthopedic surgeries such as joint replacements and spinal repair. X-rays are the most common test in Radiology and have been helping physicians diagnose disease for over 100 years.
At NJIR we have a completely Digital Radiography system which means better quality diagnostic images and your images can be made available to your physician almost immediately.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Most X-rays require no special preparation. You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses, and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images. Women should always inform their physician or X-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy because radiation can be harmful to the fetus. If an x-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.
What will I experience during the procedure?
X-rays are aquired in a few seconds. You will be positioned for the X-ray by the technologist and the X-ray will be taken. You should feel no discomfort and you may return to your normal activities immediately.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist at NJIR will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results with you.
In an emergency, the results of an x-ray can be available almost immediately for review by your physician.
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