An X-ray exam uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of your bones, teeth and internal organs.
An X-ray machine produces an X-ray beam using a tube that is carefully focused on the body part being examined. The machine produces a tiny burst of radiation, at a safe level, that passes through the body and records an image on film or on a specialized plate.
As X-rays pass through your body, different tissues absorb different amounts of the radiation. This creates varying level of radiation exposure on the X-ray film.
An X-Ray can be used to:
- Determine whether a bone is chipped, dislocated or broken
- Evaluate joint injuries and bone infections
- Screen for heart and lung diseases
- Find and treat artery blockages
- Diagnose the cause of persistent coughing or chest pain
- Check for broken ribs or a punctured lung
- Evaluate abdominal pain
- Detect spinal defects
- Evaluate infection of the sinuses (sinusitis)