Digital X-Rays Vs. Traditional X-Rays: Differences and Importance

Although the changes in medicine have been gradual, it is not more evident than ever before that things are no longer the same. The incorporation of technology into medicine has changed how things work, promoting effectiveness, precision, and efficiency.

What Are X-Rays?

They are radiographic images taken for diagnosing and screening in medicine. X-rays are usually used to diagnose various diseases that affect the inner parts of the body that would otherwise not be noticeable and visible unless through surgery. Through an x-ray near you, you can avoid getting surgery for health problems that can be treated using other medical approaches.

How Do X-Rays Work?

X-rays take images of all the internal organs of the body, that is, muscles, body organs, and bones. The process works through using a device to emit radiation through a specific part of your body. The radiation captures images in two dimensions that can shed more light on your health. The images are created in shades of black and white.

The results of the imaging will differ depending on the organs under observation. For instance, the calcium in bones blocks out radiation. Therefore, if your bones are healthy, the bones will appear white or gray on the images. For organs that allow radiographic energy to pass through, they will appear black. It is the case with healthy lungs, which are spaces filled with air.

Understanding Traditional X-Rays Vs. Digital X-Rays

Traditional x-rays have been functional since the 1900s. They use films to depict the internal structures of a body. For many years now, traditional x-rays have been incredibly useful for body imaging. The x-rays use old cameras to produce hardcopy images (films) that you can carry home with you.

In contrast, digital x-rays are a modernized version of radiography imaging, as an improvement to traditional x-rays. This type of imaging incorporates computer-aided technology. Thanks to the use of technology, doctors in charge of urgent care for x-rays do not require to produce films for the diagnostic radiographic images.

Advantages of Digital X-Rays over Traditional X-Rays

Whether your doctor uses digital or traditional x-rays for urgent care near you, they will both be effective for analyzing the internal framework of your body. However, digital X-Rays have overpowering benefits compared to traditional imaging, including:

1. Storage space is virtually unlimited – your doctor in an urgent care center does not have to worry about the number of images taken. With computer-aided technology, digital x-ray images can be stored on hard drives. When you leave the urgent care clinic, you will not be carrying a large envelope of your radiography images.
2. Reduced radiation exposure – studies show that digital X-Rays produce about 80% less radiation than traditional ones.
3. Safer alternative – compared to traditional x-rays, digital x-rays are safer, thanks to reduced radiation.
4. Cost-effective – traditional X-Rays typically rely on film, but digital imaging does not. The lack of film usage makes digital x-ray more cost-effective compared to its counterpart.
5. Quick imaging – you only need to spend a few minutes in a Walk-in for an x-ray for digital imaging, where the images can be taken and displayed in just a few minutes.
6. Preserving medical records – although not in file cabinets, your medical records can be stored for a long time in a digital format.
7. Eco-friendly – one of the primary reasons we advocate for digital x-rays at Sunrise Urgent Care Center is because they are eco-friendly, which helps protect and preserve the environment.

Should Get An X-Ray?

It is usually not up to you to determine whether you need radiographic imaging. Your doctor will recommend this kind of test for diagnosis to allow for accurate diagnosis. Some of the circumstances that would necessitate an x-ray are:

1. Fractures – to identify whether your bones are broken and the type of breakage they have, you will need an x-ray.
2. Foreign objects in the body – especially for toddlers who are likely to swallow coins, beads, and other objects
3. Chest problems – including pneumonia, heart problems, and lung cancer.
4. Bone conditions – including bone cancer, dislocations, arthritis, and other joint conditions.
5. For surgery – x-rays can be used as surgical tools, particularly after surgery, to determine whether implants have successfully integrated with bone tissues.