Method
X-ray examinations are still an integral part of modern imaging diagnostics. X-ray procedures are quick and suitable as a basic examination for all body regions. They are often used to diagnose particular bones, lungs or breast areas.
What are X-rays used for?
X-rays are not only used in the field of conventional imaging, but also for mammography and computed tomography (CTs).
- Assessing bones and joints (e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatism, broken bones)
- Assessing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes swallowing disorders, bulging of the intestinal wall (diverticulum), benign or malignant diseases, occlusions).
- Assessing ureteral or kidney stones
- Assessing diseases of the lungs (e.g. pneumonia)
Advantages of X-ray examinations
- High availability
- Fast implementation
- Primary details can be assessed about diseases or injuries and basic questions can be answered.
Disadvantages of X-rays examinations
- X-ray exposure
- Lack of reconstruction options
- CT and MRIs can show clearer examination of different tissues and organs due to the superimposition of the structures.
Patient information
At YARRA Radiology our X-rays are fully digital and therefore produce a low amount of radiation.
YARRA Radiology is equipped with world class, digital X-ray machines. We guarantee with our equipment that patients will only be exposed to very low radiation levels.
By using fully digital X-ray machines, all examination results are easily filed and all records can be accessed for years shall a patient or practice need to access these in future.
It is recommended that if a patient is pregnant, an X-ray shouldn’t take place. The patient should always seek to use a radiation-free examination method as an alternative.
During an X-ray examination a tube scans the tissues of the body part, highlighting different densities. The rays passing through the tissues then hit a storage film.
Airborne or soft tissue (e.g. lungs, muscles, skin) is very radiolucent and appears rather dark or grey on the X-ray image.
Solid and dense tissue (e.g. bones, teeth), absorbs a lot of radiation and then looks lighter or white on the X-ray image.