X-rays

X-rays are a common tool used in urgent care centers to help determine various medical conditions. They use a small amount of ionizing radiation to produce images of the inside of the body and are particularly useful for looking at the bones and internal organs.

One of the main benefits of X-rays is that they are quick and easy to perform and can mean the difference between a speedy recovery and prolonged suffering. In an urgent care setting, X-rays allow medical professionals to quickly and accurately diagnose conditions, making it possible to start treatment as soon as possible. Whether you’re dealing with a broken bone, a lung infection, or a foreign object in your body, an X-ray can provide the information needed to get you on the path to recovery. So if you need urgent medical care, don’t hesitate to ask for an X-ray. It could be the key to getting you back to feeling your best!

At Dr. G’s Urgent Care, we understand that when dealing with a non-life-threatening injury needing an X-ray, the last thing you want is a long wait time. We offer prompt medical care at our locations in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Worth, Hollywood, Sunrise, and Coral Springs, Florida. Don’t let a minor injury disrupt your life; visit Dr. G’s Urgent Care when you need an X-ray or any other urgent medical matter.

More About X-rays

X-Rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, like microwaves and visible light. In a medical setting, the X-ray process begins with a machine called an X-ray generator, which produces an “x” beam. The beam is directed at the part of the body being imaged, such as a broken bone or lung tissue. As the X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed at different rates by different tissue types. Dense materials, such as bone, absorb more X-rays and appear white on the X-ray image. Softer tissues, such as muscles and organs, absorb fewer X-rays and appear darker in the image. ^[1]

A digital detector or film is placed on the other side of the body part being imaged; it captures the X-rays that pass through the body and converts them into a digital image; this image is then processed by a computer, which creates a clear and detailed picture of the inside of the body.

High-frequency electromagnetic wavelengths can be potentially harmful to live cells and tissues. However, the amount of radiation in X-rays is small and considered safe for most people. Studies have found that the dose required to produce a lethal effect is significantly larger when administered slowly than when administered quickly, such as with an X-ray. ^[2] Still, it’s best to avoid unnecessary X-rays, and in the case of pregnant women and young children, it’s best to avoid X-rays if possible.

Some common conditions that can be diagnosed with X-rays include:

If you need an X-ray, rest assured that it is a safe and effective procedure that will help you get the treatment you need.

What Does the “X” in X-Ray Stand For?

The “x” refers to the unknown nature of the radiation when it was first discovered. X-rays were discovered by the German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895; he referred to them as “X-rays” because their nature was unknown at the time. ^[3] The term “X-ray” is commonly used to refer to this type of ionizing radiation and its imaging technique.

The Evolution of X-Ray Technology

X-ray technology has come a long way since its discovery at the end of the 19th century. Low-resolution images and high levels of radiation exposure marked the early days of X-ray imaging. However, X-ray technology has undergone significant advancements over the years, resulting in more accurate, detailed images and safer patient procedures.

One of the major improvements in X-ray technology that came about in the 1980s was the development of digital X-ray imaging, also called digital radiography. Instead of using film to capture X-ray images, digital detectors convert the X-rays into digital signals. These digital images can then be easily stored, shared, and even processed to enhance their quality. Patients today can see their images on their online charts or take them with them on a CD or USB drive to share with other healthcare providers; this allows for better communication and coordination, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans. Additionally, because digital images can be stored electronically, they take up less physical space, making it easier to keep track of a patient’s medical history over time. 

In recent years, X-ray technology has become even more sophisticated with the use of flat-panel detector (FPD) technology, which captures images faster, with less radiation exposure, and at a higher resolution. FPD technology is now widely used in digital radiography. ^[4]

X-ray technology has come a long way since its discovery over a century ago. Today, X-ray imaging is safer, more accurate, and more widely available than ever. With the advancement of technology, X-ray imaging will likely play an important role in modern medicine for a long time.

Are X-Rays Safe?

X-ray machines are considered to be safe for most people when used appropriately. The amount of radiation in X-ray imaging is very small, and the risk of harm from a single X-ray is low. However, it’s important to remember that repeated or prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can increase the risk of health problems.

To minimize the risk of harm from X-ray imaging, healthcare providers use a technique called “dose optimization.” ^[5] This involves using the lowest possible radiation dose to produce a clear diagnostic image. The use of digital X-ray imaging and CT scans, which use less radiation than traditional X-ray imaging, has greatly reduced the amount of radiation exposure for patients.

X-ray facilities must also:

The use of dose optimization and digital X-ray imaging has greatly reduced the amount of radiation exposure for patients. Additionally, strict safety guidelines and regulations are in place to ensure the safe use of X-ray equipment and minimize the risk of harm to patients.

How X-rays Help Treat Children

X-rays are considered relatively safe for most people, including children. One of the main reasons is that children have a lower overall radiation sensitivity compared to older adults; this means that their bodies can tolerate higher radiation levels before experiencing any negative effects. Additionally, children have a faster rate of cell division which means that the damaged cells that can be caused by radiation are replaced more quickly, reducing the risk of long-term harm.

Another factor that makes X-rays safer for children is that they typically require lower radiation doses than older adults because their bodies are smaller. The X-ray equipment can be adjusted to lower radiation doses while producing a clear image. Additionally, X-rays are usually done only when necessary, and in the case of children, it’s best to avoid X-rays if possible, but when you’re at Dr. G’s Urgent Care, you can trust that we will do what’s best for your child. We take extra precautions to minimize your child’s radiation exposure by only running X-rays when necessary.

How Much Are X-Rays in Florida?

Nobody wants to visit urgent care, yet we’ll all need fast treatment at some point in our lives. Dr. G’s Urgent Care is prepared to help patients with anything they bring in, from minor illnesses and injuries to more serious conditions. Our team of experienced medical professionals is equipped with the latest technology, including X-ray machines, to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat patients.

Some common conditions that can be diagnosed with X-rays in urgent care include: 

At Dr. G’s Urgent Care, we understand that visiting the emergency room can be costly, time-consuming, and not always necessary. That’s why we offer prompt, affordable medical care at our seven convenient locations: Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Worth, Hollywood, Sunrise, and Coral Springs, Florida.

Our state-of-the-art X-ray machines allow us to take high-quality images quickly, so our medical team can quickly identify and treat the underlying issue. Whether you’re an adult or a child, our experienced medical staff is here to provide the treatment you need to feel better.

In case of an emergency, don’t hesitate to come to Dr. G’s Urgent Care. We’ll be able to help you with X-rays and other diagnostic tools and help you start the path to recovery; when it comes to your health, better safe than sorry. 

Visit Dr. G when life throws you a curve ball. Call (561) 330-9363 or email [email protected] – you can also fill out our online form. 

References

1. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. X-rays | National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Nih.gov. Published 2009. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/X-rays
2. Russell JGB. How dangerous are diagnostic X-rays? Clinical Radiology. 1984;35(5):347-351. doi:10.1016/s0009-9260(84)80170-1
3. Tubiana M. [Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen and the discovery of X-rays]. Bulletin De l’Academie Nationale De Medecine. 1996;180(1):97-108. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8696882/
4. Bansal GJ. Digital radiography. A comparison with modern conventional imaging. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2006;82(969):425-428. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2005.038448
5. Bansal GJ. Digital radiography. A comparison with modern conventional imaging. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2006;82(969):425-428. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2005.038448