XRA Medical Imaging is an accredited facility from the American College of Radiology. We perform X-Ray services in Rhode Island. Find information regarding our X-Ray service below, and our office locations where an X-Ray can be performed.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines sends are individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created.
Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black, and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
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X-rays are used for many purposes, including
determining if a bone is broken, seeing
whether an internal organ is infected, and
looking for cancer. The X-ray will show your
doctor a two-dimensional picture of your
body and is a good screening tool to evaluate
for causes of many common disorders. X-ray services include: Diagnostic Radiography, Fluoroscopy, IVP, Arthrograms and Barium studies.
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The X-rays are produced by an electrical
machine. The patient stands between the
machine and a special screen used for obtaining
the image. The patient is asked to keep as still
as possible for the few seconds it takes for
each image to be obtained.
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Diagnostic Radiography uses simple x-rays to image anatomy, typically to assess either bone structures, heart and lungs, or the abdomen. It requires a momentary X-ray exposure, similar to a photograph, either in a lying or standing position.
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous but smaller exposure of X-rays allowing evaluation of moving structures, such as the diaphragm, in a movie like fashion as apposed to the single frozen image obtained from a single X-ray radiograph.
IVP, the abbreviated term for
intravenous pyelogram, is an X-ray of the kidneys following the injection of a dye(contrast) that concentrates in the kidneys. It is the same dye used in CT scans (Please see the FAQ portion of the CT section for further detail).
Arthrograms are typically performed prior to an MRI of a joint, allowing improved visualization of certain anatomic structures not readily seen in the absence of the arthrogram. It requires the sterile injection of dye(contrast) into the joint using fluoroscopy to identify the precise location of the joint.
Barium studies are X-rays of the gastrointestinal tract after coating with Barium. These studies include Barium Swallow, Esophogram, Upper GI Series, Small Bowel Series, and Barium enema. All but the latter require the ingestion of a barium solution. A Barium enema requires the rectal administration of Barium. Many of these tests require some form of preparation. Please see the section on Exam Preparations for further detail.
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What is an X-Ray?
