Diagnostic XRay

An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body — particularly your bones.

X-ray beams are passed through your body and are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. Air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle look like varying shades of gray.

For some types of X-ray tests, contrast medium — such as iodine or barium — is introduced into your body to provide greater detail on the X-ray images. Some people experience side effects from contrast material. X-ray beams also expose you to small doses of radiation, but the benefits from these tests far outweigh the risks.

X-rays are use to capture images of bone, lungs, an enlarged heart, and the abdomen. It can be used to help reveal arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, infections, congestive heart failure, blocked blood vessels, and problems with the digestive tract.

All medical images at MDI Hospital are processed digitally, which for X-ray patients means fewer retakes, less radiation exposure, and a quicker review of the images. Our department has two state-of-the-art X-ray suites that are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Most X-rays are available on a walk-in basis, however X-rays that require the presence of a radiologist, such as those for the upper GI tract, require and appointment.

All X-ray technicians at MDI Hospital are nationally credentialed through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).