X-ray plays a significant part in health screening processes. It can detect early symptoms of medical conditions that may otherwise not be visible or obvious.
What is X-ray
- X-rays are actually electromagnetic waves and a type of imaging that shows parts of your body in different shades of black and white. Different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation.
- The use of X-rays, or radiography, is the most common way for doctors to attain images of the inside of the body. It involves low doses of high-energy radiation.
- The more radiation absorbed, the lighter the shade. For example, calcium in bones has a high X-ray absorption rate, so bones look white on the imaging. Fat and other soft tissues absorb less and look grey while air absorbs the least, making lungs look black.
What illnesses and diseases can be diagnose by X-ray
- Apart from checking for fractures, x-rays are also used in many other ways. Abnormal areas in x-ray images indicate a possible presence of cancer.
- Further tests are conducted to affirm results. Chest x-rays can spot pneumonia and mammograms use x-rays to look for breast cancer.
What to prepare for an x-ray scan
- In most cases, preparation is not necessary for x-rays. Depending on the area that’s examined, patients may be asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing for ease of movements. Jewellery or other metallic items should be removed before the x-ray scan is taken.
- During an x-ray scan, patients may wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of their body from the small amount of radiation. The radiation dose given out by a chest x-ray is equivalent to exposure in the natural environment over 10 days.
For more information on how X-rays can help you with early diagnosis of illnesses and diseases, please contact us at +65 6933 3722 or email us at iplc@concordmedical.com.
