X-ray

An x-ray is a radiographic technique that uses x-rays to acquire an image of a part of the body. General x-rays are particularly useful for the assessment of limbs after an injury or diagnosis of lung conditions such as infection.

In all our facilities we use digital radiography. Digital Radiography is the most modern method of capturing an x-ray exposure. The exposure is captured by converting the x-rays to a digital signal, which then is displayed on a computer monitor for diagnosis. This allows the images to be almost instantaneous, providing superior image quality and minimising the x-ray exposure for the patient.

The ability of the x-ray to pass through your body is dependent on the density of the area being imaged. For example, the x- rays can pass through the skin and muscle easily but are blocked by bones. This is because bones contain calcium which does not allow the x-ray to pass through and results in white on the image. Lungs, on the other hand, allow the x-ray to pass, as it is filled with air and results in being black on the image. Soft tissues (such as muscle and body organs) show up as various shades of grey, depending on how dense they are.

There is no need to make an appointment for an x-ray and there is no preparation involved with most x-ray examinations.

You should always bring along any previous x-rays relating to the area being examined.