Diagnostic imaging techniques help narrow the causes of an injury or illness and ensure that the
diagnosis is accurate. These techniques include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
These imaging tools let your doctor "see" inside your body to get a "picture" of your bones, organs, muscles, tendons, nerves, and cartilage. This is a way the doctor can determine if there are any abnormalities.
X-rays
X-Ray scanning remains one of the oldest diagnostic tools in medicine still in wide use today. The technology available to us in the 21st century allows us to take this tool and put it to more efficient use for our patients.
NOC is proud to be using the latest in digital x-ray technology. Even if you also need more sophisticated tests such as an MRI, you will probably get an X-ray first.
What does digital x-ray mean for you?
- Better and Faster Results
- Less Radiation Exposure
- Practically eliminate the need for repeating views due to exposure problems
- Utilizing our PACS archive we can digitally store all of your radiological studies so we can retrieve them with the push of a button
How is an X-ray performed?
The part of your body being pictured is positioned between the X-ray machine and photographic film. You have to hold still while the machine briefly sends electromagnetic waves (radiation) through your body, exposing the
film to reflect your internal structure. The level of radiation exposure from X-rays is not harmful, but your doctor will take special precautions if you are pregnant, so it is extremely important to notify them prior to
performing the x-ray if there is any chance you could be pregnant.
Bones, tumors and other dense matter appear white or light because they absorb the radiation. Less dense soft tissues and breaks in bone let radiation pass through, making these parts look darker on the X-ray film.
You will probably be X-rayed from several angles. If you have a break/fracture in one limb, your doctor may want a comparison X-ray of your uninjured limb. Your X-ray session will take approximately 10 minutes. The images are ready quickly and can be accessed in the treatment rooms so the doctor can review them with his patients.