X-ray Imaging
About X-ray
X-rays or Radiographs are the oldest and most commonly used type of medical imaging. X-rays are non-invasive and help your doctor diagnose, monitor, and treat many medical conditions.
Some of the X-ray procedures by Abercrombie Include:
- Hysterosalpingography
- Arthrography
- General X-ray
- Bone Densitometry
What to Expect During Your X-ray
What does the equipment look like?
How does the procedure work?
X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special detector.
Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation while soft tissue, such as muscle, fat and organs, allow more of the x-rays to pass through them. As a result, bones appear white on the x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black.
Until recently, x-ray images were maintained on large film sheets (much like a large photographic negative). Today, most images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images are easily accessible for diagnosis and disease management.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
A bone x-ray examination itself is a painless procedure.
You may be asked to change into a gown as to eliminate any metal from your clothing from showing in the x-ray image. You may also find holding still in a particular position and lying on the hard examination table uncomfortable, especially if you are injured. The technologist will assist you in finding the most comfortable position possible that still ensures x-ray image quality.
Understand Your X-ray Results
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
An Abercrombie radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.
Follow-up examinations may be necessary. Your doctor will explain the exact reason why another exam is requested. Sometimes a follow-up exam is done because a potential abnormality needs further evaluation with additional views or a special imaging technique. A follow-up examination may also be necessary so that any change in a known abnormality can be monitored over time. Follow-up examinations are sometimes the best way to see if treatment is working or if a finding is stable or changed over time.
