X-Ray

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is an effective, quick, and painless test that produces images of your internal bodily structures, particularly your bones.

An X-ray machine works by producing a safe and controlled level of radiation that passes through your body and records an image onto a specialized plate.

The X-ray beams get absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they’re passing through. Metal and bone are dense materials that show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs appears as black, and muscle and fat show up as shades of gray.

Why would I need an X-ray?

Smart Clinic Urgent Care provides state-of-the-art in-office digital X-rays, which use a lower amount of radiation, to gain a clearer picture of your health and assist in diagnosis and treatment. An X-ray image can reveal if cushioning cartilage has worn away, allowing bone to touch bone, and other problems, abnormalities, foreign objects, and signs of deterioration and damage.

You might need an X-ray if you’ve had an injury, such as a fracture, or if you’re experiencing symptoms, such as joint or chest pain. If your Smart Clinic Urgent Care provider has concerns, they might suggest an X-ray to further examine a certain area of your body.

What can I expect during my X-ray?

An X-ray can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more depending on the type of X-ray.

Depending on what area of your body needs examination, you might need to wear a gown during the exam and remove certain items of clothing, jewelry, eyeglasses, or any metal objects that might interfere with your X-ray.

Your provider might give you a liquid called a contrast medium before some types of X-rays to help highlight a specific area of your body on the X-ray image. You usually swallow the contrast medium or receive it as an enema or injection.

Your provider positions your body, and you might need to use sandbags or pillows to hold a position. You don’t feel the X-ray.

X-rays are digitally saved on computers and can be viewed on-screen. Your Smart Clinic Urgent Care provider quickly discusses your results.

All Smart Clinic Urgent Care, digital X-rays are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist who promptly provides a formal radiology report for you and your provider.

Your provider can also give you digital images for your files or for you to take to your primary care physician or a specialist.

At Smart Clinic Urgent Care, the professionals know your time is valuable, and do everything in one visit for your convenience, including X-rays. Call your nearest office, schedule online, or simply walk-in today.