ON-SITE X-RAY

X-ray  technology uses a specific type of highly controlled radiation to  create images that show the interior structures of the body. Bones are  the most readily apparent structures that x-ray imaging can show, and  physicians utilize x-rays in the earliest stages of treating serious  physical trauma. An image is created when an x-ray machine directs short  bursts of radiation through the human body and onto a sheet of film.  The more dense tissue within the body (such as bones) block more of the  x-rays, which then show up as light or white areas on the film. That  allows technicians to “see” inside of the body without the need for an  invasive surgical procedure. Broken bones, dislocated joints and changes  in organ tissue are just some of the conditions that an x-ray can show.

Many  people are concerned about being exposed to radiation during the x-ray  imaging process. Since an individual will be exposed to very small  volumes of radiation during an x-ray, the risk of harm is minimal.  Technicians use the lowest possible level of radiation needed to produce  a useful image. In addition, x-rays are ordered only when necessary to  reduce the total amount of x-ray radiation that an individual will be  exposed to during the course of his or her life. When viewed in relation  to the benefits that this imaging technology provides, the risks are  often viewed as minuscule.

In  the urgent care setting, having an x-ray done is often an initial step  in creating a treatment plan. Once the medical staff is able to view the  completed image (which is a relatively fast process), the next steps  are determined. If a complicated fracture is discovered, then the  patient may be referred to a nearby emergency room. However, many lesser  sprains or fractures can be addressed in the urgent care setting. In  the case of enlarged organs, x-rays give physicians important  information about what further diagnostic tests to perform