X-Ray
X-ray investigation is the original and most commonly used form of diagnostic imaging. Small amounts of radiation are passed through a selected part of the body to produce a diagnostic image. It is usually used to evaluate the chest and musculoskeletal system. This provides a view of an area where a patient is experiencing pain, monitor the progression of a disease, such as osteoporosis, and see the effect of a treatment method etc.; all without making any incisions.
Imaging produced by X-rays shows different structures of the body in various shades of grey. In areas that don’t absorb X-rays well, the grey appears darkest. In dense areas that do absorb more of the X-rays, such as bones, the grey appears lighter. X-rays can be either still or moving images.
X-ray radiation is known as ionizing radiation. The dose of radiation involved is very low and is similar in strength to natural radiation that people are exposed to every day. Our radiographer always ensures the radiation dose is kept as low as possible and that the benefits of a patient having the X-ray outweigh any risks.
