X-Ray
X-rays are a form of invisible, electromagnetic radiation used to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs of the human body. X-rays pass painlessly through body structures onto an imaging detector/receptor. Sovah Health uses only direct digital x-ray technology, to ensure the radiation dose to our patients is as low as possible and that image quality is consistently very high. Through advanced computer processing, the information is converted to diagnostic images that are interpreted by radiologists (Physicians who specialize in medical imaging).
Next Steps
Danville Campus
For more information or to make an appointment, contact our Danville campus today.
Martinsville Campus
For more information or to make an appointment, contact our Martinsville campus today.
Frequently Asked Questions
X-ray examinations are performed for many reasons, including assisting in the diagnosing of lung and abdominal/ gastrointestinal disease, and spine and bone/ joint injuries or disease. You can find extensive, highly reliable information about all types of medical imaging exams and procedures at https://www.radiologyinfo.org.
What is it?
X-rays use a small amount of radiation to take internal images of the body of film like a camera. Our radiologists have advanced x-ray and fluoroscopy technology that provide diagnostic assistance for a wide range of film imaging.
Uses
Diagnosing broken bones, pneumonia, dental problems. Mammograms are a common type of X-ray used to help diagnose breast cancer.
What Happens
You may be asked to lie still on an X-ray table or sit or stand by the table. You may wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body.
What You Need to Know
- Procedures vary according to the examination purpose of the x-ray.
- For instance, an x-ray for your large intestine is taken in conjunction with a barium enema. Preparations for this exam differ from an Upper GI Series which involves imaging the esophagus, stomach, and a portion of the small intestines during which you're asked to sip a barium "cocktail." For an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), an injected "contrast medium" is used to highlight areas of the kidneys, ureters, and the urinary bladder.
- The length of time for each of these examinations can vary from 45 minutes to an hour.
More Information
Locations
Martinsville, VA 24112
Danville, Virginia 24541