Digital Imaging X-ray
X-rays use radiation to create an image of inside the body, at First Western, we use Digital Imaging X-rays which are more advanced and faster to produce results than the traditional X-ray. Bones are very hard and dense which means that they show up very clearly on an X-ray, therefore, X-rays are most commonly used to diagnose bone-related issues. Although blood vessels and organs are not so clear on an X-ray, they are visible; therefore a chest X-ray can help examine the heart, major arteries and lungs. Some of the problems that X-rays help identify include:
- Breaks or fractures
- Dental problems
- Thinning or weakening of the bones (osteoporosis)
- Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
- Abnormal spinal curvatures (scoliosis)
- Benign or malignant bone tumours
- Heart conditions
- Lung conditions
Type of X-ray include
Barium enema – this procedure involves barium solution being pumped into the bowel and can be used to diagnose such as chronic constipation or blood in the faeces.
Angiography- is a type of X-ray used to create images of blood vessels called angiograms which show blood vessels. A dye is first injected into the area which helps X-ray ‘see’ the soft tissues.
To help make the blood vessels show up, a contrast medium is injected into the appropriate area. A contrast medium (dye) highlights the blood vessels as it travels through them, problems like blockages can be identified as the way in which the dye moves through the blood vessels is studied.
Intravenous urogram (IVU)- can be used to diagnose problems with the urinary system. During an IVU, a contrast medium such as iodine solution will be administered by injection into your veins and move into your kidneys and bladder thus enabling X-rays of your urinary system to be taken.
What to expect during an X-ray
While the CT is a safe procedure and the radiation doses are very low, it should not be used as a regular check-up tool but rather on the advice of your physician for specific problems. While the CT scan itself usually takes no longer than 5 minutes, with preparations included, it can take around 30-40 minutes. According to which part of your body needs the scan, you may be asked to put on a hospital gown in a private area. You will also be asked to remove any glasses, contact lenses, jewellery, dentures and hearing aids.
Next, you will be asked to lie down on the scanner table. This slides in or out of the scanner ring. Your radiographer will position the table so that the part of your body needing the scan is in the middle of the scanner. You may be asked to momentarily hold your breath or not to swallow at certain times during the scan. You can trust the radiographer to do the rest of the work for you the most important thing is for you to lie still so that the image is captured effectively. You will probably notice some whirring noises while you’re inside as the scanner does its job.
The scanner will be operated from a control room by your radiographer. He or she will be able to see, hear and speak to you at all times during the procedure. Once the scan is complete, the scanner table will move back out and you will be helped down. You will usually be able to go home as soon as you feel ready.
The results will soon be reviewed by our radiologists and the findings given to you/your doctor usually on the same day.
