Where to Get an X-Ray in Columbia MD

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that has a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than visible light. This type of diagnostic imaging is primarily used in medical imaging to diagnose and treat different health conditions.

X-rays are produced by the collision of electrons with a metal target, in which the electrons are accelerated toward the metal target by a high-voltage electrical current. The X-rays that pass through your body are detected by a nearby imaging device that captures and saves images.

The X-rays that pass through your body are absorbed differently by each tissue and organ, based on their density. The denser tissues, like bones, absorb more X-rays and appear white on the X-ray screen. The less dense tissues, like muscles and organs, absorb fewer X-rays and appear darker in the image.

If you experience pain, swelling, or tenderness around a joint or a bone, your doctor may recommend an X-ray to determine the extent of your injury. This type of diagnostic imaging is commonly used to diagnose bone fractures, dislocations, or other types of injuries that occur due to trauma.

In addition to this, X-rays are used to diagnose many lung-related conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or lung cancer. This specialized imaging can help identify blockages, fluid build-up, and other abnormalities in the lungs that might be causing respiratory symptoms or breathing difficulties.

X-rays can also be used to evaluate the extent of dental decay or jaw-related injuries, producing images of the teeth, gums, and jawbone to help dentists diagnose cavities, abscesses, or other dental conditions.

Last but not least, X-rays are useful in detecting foreign objects in the body that aren’t visible from the outside. They can help locate metal fragments that have penetrated the skin, or swallowed objects that are stuck in the throat or the digestive tract.

The first step to getting an X-ray is to have a consultation with your doctor or healthcare professional. They’ll examine you, ask questions about your medical history, and determine whether an X-ray is necessary.

If your doctor determines an X-ray is required, they’ll provide you with a referral or prescription for the test. This is important because X-rays are only performed on the recommendation of a physician, and the referral will provide the technician who will perform your test with the necessary information and instructions for the procedure.

Once you have your referral, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a suitable radiology facility or imaging center that offers X-ray services. Many different types of imaging centers offer X-rays, from stand-alone radiology centers to hospitals and urgent care facilities.

Different types of X-rays are used for different purposes, with the most commonly used types being:

• Conventional X-rays. This type of X-ray imaging uses a machine that sends X-ray beams through the body, which are then captured by a detector on the other side, producing an image of the internal structures.
• CT scans. Also known as computed tomography scans, this type of imaging uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. CT scans are often used to diagnose diseases of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
• Fluoroscopy. This type of imaging produces real-time moving images of the body’s internal structures by using a contrast agent to visualize blood vessels, organs, or digestive systems in action. This type of X-ray is commonly used to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases and problems with blood vessels.
• Mammography. This type of X-ray is specifically designed to capture detailed images of the breast tissue to help detect and diagnose breast cancer in its early stages.
• Dental X-rays. These types of X-rays help dentists detect problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay by taking images of the teeth and jawbone.

If you require an X-ray to move forward in your medical journey, contact us at Elite Urgent Care. Our professional medical team would be happy to answer any questions that you may have or help you to get booked for an appointment. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Elkridge MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Jessup MD, and surrounding areas.