Digital X-ray

Higher Standards in Radiography for Your Higher Standards in Patient Care

 

Benefits

One obvious benefit of computed radiation is that it is much "greener" than traditional X-ray procedures, considering used film does not have to be discarded.   The use of chemicals to develop the film is eliminated, and replaced by laser scanning images saved to a computer hard drive or written to a DVD.

  • "Greener"
  • The entire process takes less time than traditional radiology.
  • Darkrooms are not required to produce an image.

Most radiology exams are painless. Here at Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC we have equipment that operates using the lowest possible amount of radiation necessary for quality images.

What are some common uses of digital x-ray?

  • Identifying and treating of bone fractures
  • View, monitor or diagnose joint injuries and infections, arthritis, artery blockages, abdominal pain
  • Locate foreign objects in soft tissue
  • Detection and diagnosis of advanced forms of cancer (i.e-mesothelioma)

    

How should I prepare for a digital x-ray?

A requisition form is required from your referring physician. Please bring this completed form with you at the time of your appointment.

Please inform the technologist, if there is any possibility, that you are pregnant.

  • No special preparation / instruction is required for most general x-rays
  • You may be asked to change into a gown
  • In some cases, you are provided with a lead apron to protect areas of the body not being examined

What should I expect during this exam?

You will be greeted by our experienced, certified x-ray technologist; an important member of the medical team. The technologist will escort you to the exam room. The x-ray exam usually takes 5 to 30 minutes.

  • You will be asked to stand near a casette holder or lie on an exam table for positioning.
  • Placement of a cassette is positioned in area of the body to be imaged.
  • Pillows may be used to help you hold the proper position.
  • The technologist steps behind a radiation barrier and asks you to hold very still, without breathing for a few seconds.
  • The x-ray equipment is activated, and radiation exposure to the cassette occurs.
  • You may be repositioned for additional views and the process is repeated.
  • When your exam is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist checks the images.

What will I experience during an x-ray?

  • X-ray imaging is painless.
  • Some discomfort may result from lying on the table, a hard surface that may feel cold.
  • Sometimes, to get a clear image of an injury such as a possible fracture, you may be asked to hold an uncomfortable position for a short time. Any movement could blur the image and make it necessary to repeat the procedure.

How do I obtain results?

At Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, we have a radiologist on site at all times so the test will be interpreted and result will be phoned, faxed, mailed, or delivered electronically to the referring physician. The referring physician will share the results with you.

To schedule a Digital X-ray at Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, please choose the nearest location.

For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.

 

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