When injured or feeling unwell, your doctor may require you to get an X-ray. This imaging technique lets your physician see within your body to give you a more accurate diagnosis of your present condition. Therapies and surgeries can be better planned when your physician has an X-ray image as a reference.
Here are some important things you want to know about X-rays before you get one yourself:
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray screening uses X-ray beams that penetrate the body and produce concise images of bones or target organs. The result is a radiograph, a shadow-like image of bones or organs.
Your doctors will use these radiographs to diagnose conditions like arthritis, cancer, or other chronic illnesses. They’re also useful when checking sports injuries. When you ingest something that needs to be removed with surgery, the radiograph is used as a guide. X-ray screening can also detect abnormalities in the heart or lungs.
Is X-ray Screening Safe?
Chances of complications or side effects from this diagnostic test are rare. The amount of radiation in an X-ray screening is much lower than that of household items with radioactive traces.
While there is no evidence that safely executed X-ray screenings cause bodily damage, you cannot rule out its risks completely. It is important to undergo this procedure only when needed or when a trusted medical professional advises it.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, so that your screening can be rescheduled. If you are allergic to a contrast agent, consult with your doctor for possible alternatives.
What To Expect
There are no special preparations needed to get an X-ray. However, it is advisable to wear light and thin clothes on the day of your test. You will be asked to take off any accessories that can potentially block the body part being X-rayed.
Your medical provider will ask you to stand facing a wall or lie down in a specific area during the exam. The position depends on the body part you are having screened. The procedure is fast and relatively hassle-free. You are unlikely to feel anything after the exposure has been set.
X-ray Limitations
Receiving your X-ray results may take a day or a week, depending on where you were screened. Most of the time, you can claim your results within a week.
X-ray results cannot see every problem your body might have, such as kidney stones or blood clots. There are other diagnostic imaging tests for different conditions. For example, torn ligaments and small bone fractures are usually checked by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
X-ray Screening in Bucks County, PA
X-ray screenings are a safe and easy way to help your doctor diagnose you properly. You can readily find this service in almost all medical institutions and clinics near you.
Patient Care Now Urgent Care is the best practice if you need a healthcare provider to give you an accurate X-ray screening in Bucks County, PA. We offer premium urgent care services, including X-ray screenings. Our dedicated team of practitioners can make your next X-ray screening easy and convenient. We also provide other on-site services that you might need.
To get in touch, you can call us at (267) 202-6433. You may also set up an appointment online through this online form. See other details of the ways you can contact us here. We look forward to serving you soon!
