About our x-ray services

Radiologists at Advanced Radiology have 25 years of experience at reading x-rays and have trained their eyes to accurately read and diagnose your x-rays. They also take care in consulting your primary physician if necessary.

High tech equipment combined with the intellect and skills of our physicians provides you with exceptional service. Moreover, after your x-ray is electronically imaged by our radiologists, a report is dicated IMMEDIATELY and is in your primary physicians hands within 2 hours!

What is an x-ray?

Most commonly, the term x-ray denotes a black and white picture obtained by use of an x-ray machine. It usually depicts the bones and organs inside your body.‘X-rays’, however, actually refer to the waves of electromagnetic radiation that are used to create images of structures inside the body. These electromagnetic waves are of extremely short wavelength- less than 100 angstroms- and are produced by bombarding a metallic target with fast electrons or by transitioning electrons into a lower energy state.

How does an x-ray work?

X-rays use waves of electromagnetic radiation to form images of organs and other structures inside the body. When applied to your body, the x-ray waves are absorbed in different amounts by different body tissues of different densities. For example, skin, fat, and muscle allow more x-rays to pass through, but bones are denser, and the calcium in the bone absorbs x-rays. Thus, bones look white on a film recording of the x-ray image, called a radiograph, fat and other tissues look gray because they absorb fewer x-rays, while the lungs look black because air absorbs the least number of x-rays.

How does an x-ray machine work?

An x-ray machine is contained in a lead case with a small opening. High-energy electrons are focused through this opening and emitted directly toward the patient to prevent risk of exposure to other areas.

Bones show up in x-rays because calcium atoms are larger than other tissue and can absorb the x-ray photon energy, while the energy passes through the smaller atoms of soft tissue. If a doctor wants to examine organs, the patient can ingest or be injected with what is called a contrast media, which consists of liquids that will absorb the x-ray photons.

How long does an x-ray take?

Some x-rays take less than a minute, but longer procedures such as a barium enema or an upper GI series can take more than an hour.

Why would I need an x-ray?

X-rays are routine procedures used to check for cancer in adults. For example, a mammography can detect breast cancer or a barium enema can detect colorectal cancer. Very high doses of x-rays may also be used in cancer treatment. They are more often, though, used to take pictures of bones that may be fractured or broken.

How do I prepare for an x-ray?

Each different type of x-ray procedure has its own specific preparation. X-rays of the digestive tract may require fasting or diet changes, while mammographies require that the patient must not use deodorants, powders, perfumes and creams, which may produce abnormal shadows. All jewelry should be removed from the body part to be x-rayed.

How is it done?

You will be asked to remove any clothing over the part of the body to be x-rayed. If necessary, you will be given a hospital gown, and a protective lead drape to shield the rest of your body from the x-rays. While either lying or sitting on a table in an x-ray room, a technician will position you to give the best x-ray view.

The x-ray machine will be positioned near your body so that the x-ray tube is aimed at the proper body area. The technician will stand behind a protective panel and activate the x-ray machine.

What are the risks involved in getting an x-ray?

Unprotected radiation can be harmful to growing children, pregnant women, and reproductive organs. Therefore, Advanced Radiology has strict policies to ensure your safety.

A lead apron will be given to you to protect your reproductive organs during the procedure. Additionally, our technicians will minimize excess radiation by focusing the machine directly on the area of concern.

If you are a woman and there is a chance you could be pregnant, a pregnancy test will be given before an x-ray is taken, as it may affect a developing fetus. Each case, though, will be examined on an individual basis to ensure your safety.

How soon after an x-ray is taken at Advanced Radiology will I receive my results?

After your x-ray is taken, it is electronically imaged by our radiologists. Our radiologist dictates a report that is transcribed and faxed to your doctor IMMEDIATELY. The report is usually in your doctor’s hands within two hours!

Why would I get an x-ray instead of an MRI?

In some cases an MRI may be used instead of an x-ray because it depicts greater contrast between different kinds of soft tissue. That is why MRI produces such detailed images of the brain and other soft tissues. Another benefit of MRI is that is does not use radiation. However, MRI's are more expensive, and are unnecessary if you are just examining broken bones.

Why choose Advanced Radiology over other options?

Closely located to many of the physicians in town, you can visit your primary care physician then conveniently drive right down the street to our Imaging Center. Your privacy and care are our concern as you can drive right up and park at the front door. You avoid the “hospital” environment as you briefly lounge in our fireside waiting room and sip some complimentary coffee or tea. Our facility provides a comfortable, private environment with friendly technologists.

Your study is done efficiently and is reviewed by a board certified radiologist. Results are faxed or called to your doctor that day. We also often consult your doctor over the phone to eliminate miscommunications in your report. Once again, we offer fast, convenient, accurate, same day diagnostics for you and your family.