WHAT IS A DIGITAL X-RAY?

• An X-ray is a quick and noninvasive imaging test that uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays work by passing radiation through the body, where different tissues absorb it at varying levels. Dense structures like bones absorb more radiation and appear white on the X-ray image, while softer tissues, such as muscles and organs, appear in shades of gray or black.

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WHAT ARE X-RAYS USED FOR?

• X-rays are commonly used to diagnose fractures, infections, lung conditions, and other medical issues. They are also helpful for guiding treatments, such as locating the position of medical devices. The procedure is fast, painless, and widely used, making it an essential tool in medical imaging.​

• X-rays used in specialized imaging, such as chest X-rays to assess lung conditions like pneumonia or heart size, and dental X-rays to examine teeth and jaw health.

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ARE X-RAYS SAFE?

• X-rays are generally safe when used appropriately. They involve exposure to a small amount of ionizing radiation to create images of the body. For most people, the benefits of an X-ray—such as diagnosing a fracture, infection, or other medical conditions—outweigh the minimal risks associated with radiation exposure. However, safety measures are always taken to minimize exposure.

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Here’s what you should know about X-ray safety:

• Low Radiation Dose: Modern X-ray machines use very low levels of radiation. A single X-ray typically exposes a person to the equivalent of a few days to a few months of natural background radiation, depending on the type of X-ray (e.g., chest X-rays have lower doses, while CT scans have higher doses).

• Protective Measures: During the procedure, protective shields, such as lead aprons, may be used to protect parts of the body that are not being imaged.

• Risks vs. Benefits: For most patients, the health risks from untreated or undiagnosed conditions far exceed the very small risk from radiation exposure during an X-ray.

• Special Considerations: Pregnant individuals and children are more sensitive to radiation. In these cases, alternative imaging methods like ultrasound or MRI may be considered, or extra precautions are taken to minimize exposure.​​​​

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