X-Ray Imaging

X-Rays are a form of high-energy, electromagnetic radiation, like visible light. Unlike light, X-Rays can pass through objects, including the body. Technicians at LIMPA utilize high-frequency X-Ray Technology to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body.

Louisiana Internal Medicine & Pediatric Association uses a combination of traditional and digital X-Ray devices to assist in diagnosing and assessing treatment needs. To help patients make informed decisions, physicians at LIMPA provide a one-on-one consultation based on their X-Ray imaging results.

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Our Imaging tools scatter X-Rays into specified locations of the body, based on the patient’s needs, ultimately producing a visual record of internal structures. First, the patient is positioned between an X-Ray source and the detector.

The X-Rays transmitted into the body pass through the source, into the detector on the opposite side of the patient. An image is produced representing the shadows formed by the tissues, structures and objects inside the body. Bones appear white, and tissues are displayed in shades of gray, due to the difference in density.

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At Louisiana Internal Medicine & Pediatric Association, X-Ray Imaging assists our physicians with detection, prevention and every step of patient care. The procedure increases our knowledge of patient health, and in some cases, early detection through X-Ray allows to manage, treat or cure a condition early.

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X-Ray Testing Tips

Each type of X-Ray requires different types of preparation. In general, patients are asked to undress the part of their body being examined. Often patients are asked to wear a gown during their examination. The radiologist may also request the patient remove jewelry, eyeglasses or any other metal objects that can disrupt the x-ray reading.

To begin the examination, the patient is asked to position themselves between an X-Ray source and the detector. The X-Rays transmitted into the body flow through the source, into the sensor on the opposite side of the patient. After the transmission, an image is produced representing the shadows formed by the tissues, structures, and objects inside the body. Bones appear white, and tissues are displayed in shades of gray, due to the difference in density. The procedure may take a few minutes to more than an hour. Longer procedures are typically more-involved and require the patient to move into many different positions.

At LIMPA, X-Ray Imaging assists our physicians with detection, prevention and every step of patient care. The procedure increases our knowledge of patient health, and in some cases, early detection through X-Ray allows to manage, treat or cure a condition early. Following the examination, most patients may resume normal activities. The doctor will work with the patient to interpret the results and continue with necessary treatment.

FAQ

WHAT IS RADIATION?

Radiation can take many forms, including visible light, x-rays, gamma-rays, microwaves and radio waves. Ionizing radiation, which is used for x-rays, has many uses, including sterilization of food and medical equipment. We use the x-rays to create medical images and sometimes in treatment as well.
WHAT ARE X-RAYS?

X-rays are a type of radiation that are created using large amounts of electricity. X-rays are used in medical imaging much like a camera uses visible light to create an image. X-rays pass through the body and create an image on film based on how many x-rays get absorbed and how many pass through. These films are commonly referred to as “x-rays,” but x-rays are actually the type of radiation that is used to produce the image. Studies that use x-rays include plain films, fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT scans).
WHERE DOES RADIATION COME FROM?

Radiation is all around us. The two primary sources of radiation are from natural background radiation and medical exposure. Most natural background radiation can be linked to the Sun and naturally radioactive substances in our bodies.
ARE X-RAYS SAFE?

Radiation exposure from an X-Ray is incredibly small. The amount of radiation a patient is exposed to during an X-Ray depends on which tissue is being examined, but is minimal regardless of the location. The sensitivity of radiation depends on your age, meaning children are more sensitive than adults.