What is an X-Ray?
X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that was first discovered by William Conrad Roentgen in 1895. A beam of X-rays can be produced by bombarding a tungsten target with a stream of electrons, inside an X-ray tube. The X-ray beam can penetrate through the body, exposing a sheet of photographic film which records the image cast upon the film by the differing absorption of portions of the beam, by tissues of varying density within the body. For example, the lungs are easily seen because they contain air, allow most of the X-ray beam to pass through, and appear dark on the film. Bones are clearly seen for the opposite reason: they absorb most of the X-ray beam that strikes them, and appear white on X-ray films.

Are X-rays dangerous?
Exposure to any radiation is potentially hazardous, although the amount used for diagnostic examinations is extremely small – similar to the amount of radiation we receive each month or year from natural sources. Diagnostic X-rays are requested by your physician and performed by us, only when the potential benefit to you far outweighs any potential harm.

How are X-Rays used?
X-ray films are very useful for examining the lungs and bones (including the spine) and can also be used for evaluation of the skull, sinuses and abdomen, and all other bones in the body.

What happens during an X-ray examination?
Because X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, women will be asked for a menstrual history, to determine if there is any possibility of pregnancy. For X-rays of the chest or abdomen you will be asked to put on a gown that has no metal snaps or zippers. The examination may be performed while you are standing (chest X-ray), sitting (hand), or lying on an examination table (abdomen).

When can my physician expect a copy of my report?
In most cases, reports are provided within two business days.

X-ray of the orbits in the AP and Lateral projection shows a piece of metal shrapnel in the nose from a gunshot wound.

CHEST X-RAY PA & LAT show a moderate left pleural effusion at the base of the left lung

X-RAY HIPS, PELVIS & RIGHT KNEE of 65 year old male with arthritis. Mild narrowing of the left hip joint space & possible osteolytic lesion in the left sacral ala. Right knee with osteoarthritic changes & possible calcifications within a Baker’s Cyst.