X-rays and other tests like ultrasound can effectively diagnose up to 80% of medical problems, which is why they’re some of the go-to imaging tests for doctors today. At Marsalis Avenue Urgent Care Clinic, Dralves Edwards, DO, uses X-rays as an effective first-line diagnostic tool for a variety of injuries and health concerns. The Dallas, Texas, office has on-site digital X-ray equipment for your convenience, so call the office or click the provided booking link now.
X-rays are imaging exams to detect injuries and illnesses. An X-ray uses very small amounts of electromagnetic waves to produce pictures from within your body. To create the images, your body structures absorb a tiny amount of radiation.
Because bones take in the most radiation, they appear white. Other structures in your body don’t absorb as much radiation, so they appear as varying shades of gray.
X-rays can identify a number of different problems inside the body, especially those involving your bones. They’re the most common way to diagnose:
Specific types of X-rays have other uses. For example, a special type of X-ray, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), can detect osteoporosis, while another type of X-ray (mammography) can diagnose breast cancer.
A computed tomography (CT) scan — a combination of X-rays and specialized computer processing technology — makes very precise 3D images. You may need a CT scan if a standard X-ray or ultrasound test isn’t detailed enough for an accurate diagnosis.
Before your X-ray exam, you may need to change into a hospital gown or move your clothing to better expose a certain part of your body. You don’t need to fast or otherwise prepare for an X-ray, other than making sure that you remove any metal objects, which can obscure the images.
During the X-ray process, your technician positions you in certain ways that allow for the best images. Remain extremely still during the image-taking process. Your technician tells you when they’re taking images so you’ll know when you can move again.
The X-ray process usually takes no more than a few minutes in the Marsalis Avenue Urgent Care Clinic office, and you’ll generally return to your exam room immediately afterward.
Because the office performs imaging tests on-site, your medical team has immediate access to your images. They can give you a much faster diagnosis and treatment plan than you’d get if you had to visit another facility for the X-rays.
Marsalis Avenue Urgent Care Clinic makes X-rays easy, so book your appointment or call the office to schedule a visit now.
