What are Digital X-Rays?
Digital X-ray (digital radiography) is a new X-ray technology that uses an electronic sensor instead of an X-ray film and instantly produces digital images that can be stored and displayed on a computer. Digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure by 80% - 90% when compared to traditional X-rays.
How to Prepare for Digital X-Rays
Your x-ray technician will guide you to the examination room where you will be instructed to change into a patient’s gown. You will be advised to remove the jewelry and other metal items that interrupt the passage of X-rays. You should not stop taking regular medications unless advised by your doctor.
How Digital X-rays work?
The steps involved in this technique include:
- Image generation: The electromagnetic radiations passing through the tissues and organs are picked up by a digital receptor to produce images in digital form.
- Processing: The formed images are then processed in an image processor that enhances the quality of the images.
- Archiving: Images are stored on digital storage media.
- Presentation: The images are displayed on a computer screen.
Advantages of Digital X-Rays
- Digital x-rays produce significantly lower levels of radiation compared to traditional x-rays. Precautions are also taken to further limit the patient's exposure to radiation.
- The digital images captured electronically are immediately available for review.
- There is no need for X-ray films thus eliminating the harmful waste and chemicals disposed into the environment.