What is a digital X-ray?
A digital X-ray is a modern version of classic X-ray imaging in which the image is recorded on an electronic detector instead of film and displayed on a screen immediately. X-rays pass through the body and, depending on the density of the tissue, are stopped to varying degrees — bones appear light, while soft tissues and air spaces appear darker.
Because of the digital technology the image is sharper and available almost instantly, and the radiation dose is lower than with older, classic devices. The image can be further processed — brightened, magnified or detail highlighted — without re-imaging, which reduces the number of images and the total radiation exposure.
The X-ray is most often the first and fastest imaging method when the lungs, bones and joints need to be assessed. It provides a reliable view of fractures, pneumonia, changes in the skeleton and many other conditions, and if needed directs the doctor to further investigations such as ultrasound or CT.
At Medical Time the digital X-ray is done with a modern device, with a low radiation dose and high image quality, and the images are interpreted by an experienced radiologist, so that you quickly get accurate findings and clear recommendations.
When is a digital X-ray performed?
The digital X-ray is used in a wide range of situations — from injuries and pain in bones and joints, through breathing complaints, to follow-up exams and treatment monitoring. Because of its speed and availability it is often the first step in diagnosis.
The most common indications for which imaging is done are:
As a general rule, in the case of injuries, a persistent cough or pain in the bones and joints, an X-ray quickly provides a key first view — on which the doctor decides on further treatment or additional exams.
- suspicion of a fracture or a crack in a bone after an injury
- pain, swelling or limited mobility of a joint
- a persistent cough, difficult breathing, fever and suspected pneumonia
- monitoring the lungs in chronic airway diseases
- changes in the spine, degenerative changes and back pain
- assessing the state of the bones in osteoporosis and other skeletal diseases
- monitoring fracture healing and follow-up after surgery
- preoperative preparation and routine check-ups
Preparing for a digital X-ray
For most X-ray imaging no special preparation is needed — you do not have to be fasting and you can continue your usual activities and therapy. Before imaging, jewelry, metal objects, clasps and clothing with metal parts are removed from the part of the body being imaged, because they can obscure the image.
Imaging is not recommended, or is assessed with particular care, in pregnant women, because of radiation exposure. That is why it is important to be sure to tell the staff before imaging if you are pregnant or suspect you may be, so that the exam can be adjusted or postponed.
What it is good to keep in mind before imaging:
- be sure to tell the staff if you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy
- remove jewelry, watches and metal objects from the part of the body being imaged
- wear comfortable clothing without metal clasps and zippers in the imaging area
- bring earlier X-ray images and findings if you have them, for comparison
- tell the staff if you have implants or aids in the imaging area
What imaging is like — the course of the exam
Imaging is fast, completely painless and takes only a few minutes. The staff position you appropriately — standing, sitting or lying down, depending on the part of the body being imaged — and explain how to stand still and, if needed, briefly hold your breath during chest imaging.
While the image is being taken, which itself lasts a fraction of a second, you need to be still so that the image is sharp. The rest of the body is, when necessary, shielded so that radiation exposure is as low as possible. For one exam usually one or two images are made, from different angles.
The X-ray beam itself is not felt — there is no pain, heat or any unpleasant sensation. Thanks to the digital technology, the image is ready for review almost instantly, without waiting for film to be developed.
The whole visit, with preparation and positioning, usually takes only a few minutes, which makes the X-ray one of the fastest diagnostic methods.
When you get the findings and interpretation
Thanks to the digital technology, the image is available on the screen immediately, so the radiologist can review it quickly. After the analysis, the radiologist writes the findings describing the changes noticed — for example a fracture, pneumonia or degenerative changes — and gives a conclusion and recommendations for what comes next.
You receive the findings with interpretation shortly after imaging, and the image itself is stored digitally, so that it is easily compared with earlier and later images. If the findings require it, we immediately schedule additional exams — ultrasound, CT or a specialist exam — in the same place.
The digital form of the image also lets you easily forward the findings and image to the doctor with whom you continue treatment, without needing to carry films.
Why have your digital X-ray at Medical Time
The value of an X-ray lies in the combination of a quality image and expert interpretation. At Medical Time imaging is done with a modern digital device at a low radiation dose, and the findings are written by an experienced radiologist, so that you get an accurate and clearly explained result without waiting.
Everything you might need after an X-ray — ultrasound, laboratory tests or a specialist exam — is available in one place, with a quick appointment and a warm approach.
- a modern digital device with a lower radiation dose
- a sharp image available almost instantly, without waiting for film
- the findings are interpreted by an experienced radiologist, with clear recommendations
- fast and painless imaging that takes only a few minutes
- digital storage of images for easy comparison over time
- quick scheduling without waiting and findings in a short time
- everything in one place — X-ray, ultrasound, laboratory and consultations
Cost
The cost of a digital X-ray depends on the part of the body being imaged and the number of images (for example lungs, bones or joints, from one or more angles). See the diagnostics prices in the price list, and for an exact offer and an appointment call us.
- Digital chest X-ray
- Digital X-ray of bones and joints
- Digital X-ray of the spine
For an appointment call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about the digital X-ray
The radiation dose with a digital X-ray is low and lower than with older, classic devices, and imaging is done only when there is a clear medical need for it. The benefit of an accurate diagnosis is almost always greater than the small radiation exposure.
No. Imaging is completely painless — the X-ray beam is not felt, there is no pain, heat or discomfort. You only need to stand or lie still for a few seconds.
The image itself takes a fraction of a second, and the whole exam with preparation and positioning usually only a few minutes, which makes the X-ray one of the fastest diagnostic methods.
For most imaging, no. You do not have to be fasting; before imaging only jewelry and metal objects are removed from the part of the body being imaged. Be sure to tell the staff if you are pregnant.
In pregnancy, X-rays are avoided or assessed with particular care because of the radiation. That is why it is important to be sure to tell the staff before imaging if you are pregnant or suspect you may be, so that the exam can be adjusted or postponed.
The image is available almost instantly, so you receive the findings with the radiologist's interpretation in a short time. The image is stored digitally and easily compared with earlier and later images.
No. At Medical Time you can schedule a digital X-ray without a referral, usually quickly and without a long wait.