Are X-Rays Safe?

Every year, billions of X-rays are performed worldwide, providing healthcare professionals with vital information to support accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. That said, given that X-rays involve radiation, it’s natural to be a little concerned about their safety.

Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy offers on-site X-rays to help patients and their primary care providers receive optimal care without delay. Here, our team provides important safety information about X-rays to help you feel more confident about your care.

The important role of X-rays

Before delving into the safety profile of medical X-rays, it’s important to understand why they’re done in the first place. When most of us think about X-rays, we think about how they’re used in diagnosing and managing bone or joint issues, like fractures or arthritis. But that’s just part of what X-ray imaging has to offer.

X-rays are really good at diagnosing lung disease, digestive disorders, infections, and tumors, too. In fact, for many medical issues, X-rays are the first step in diagnosing the cause of acute or chronic symptoms, like pain, chronic cough, trouble breathing, or problems swallowing. 

They’re also routinely used to guide treatment, helping your provider monitor healing after an infection or fracture. X-rays help your provider fine-tune your therapy for the best possible care and outcomes.

X-rays are noninvasive and painless, and each scan lasts only a few seconds. Our on-site lab supports immediate delivery of results for quicker diagnosis and care. And of course, because X-rays are highly precise, they can play a critical role in identifying issues early, when treatment can be most effective.

X-ray safety

X-rays use very low doses of radiation — a specific wavelength of light — to “see” inside your body, allowing healthcare providers to assess bones, organs, and even active processes, like swallowing. 

While it’s normal to be concerned about X-rays and radiation, it’s important to know that the benefits of accurate imaging far outweigh any potential risks when X-rays are performed according to medical guidelines.

First, the amount of radiation you’re exposed to during an X-ray is extremely low — much lower than the natural radiation you’re exposed to in daily life. That’s right — radiation is present in soil, water, plants, and even the air around you. The radiation used in a single chest X-ray is roughly equivalent to the amount you absorb naturally over the course of about 10 days.

Second, X-rays are only performed when medically necessary — that is, when they’re the best choice for helping you stay healthy. Established guidelines prevent the use of X-rays outside of these parameters, which means when we order an X-ray, it’s in your best interest.

Our team uses special protective garments and device positioning to ensure you receive only the required amount of exposure during your X-ray. For instance, lead garments or shields are routinely used to protect areas adjacent to the treatment area to avoid unnecessary exposure.

On-site X-rays for faster care

X-rays play an essential role in diagnosing problems and helping you get the most appropriate care. Having X-rays available on-site means you can be diagnosed and begin treatment very quickly.

To learn more about on-site X-rays or request an appointment, contact your nearest Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy office in Kihei, Kahului, or Lahaina, Hawaii, today.