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What Are Digital X-Rays? Know Their Uses, Types And Risks

What Are Digital X-Rays? Know Their Uses, Types And Risks

The blog contains a brief about what Digital X-ray is, why it is used, how it is different from a traditional X-ray, and its risks and advantages.

Radiography started by the traditional x-rays where the personnel had to develop the x-ray manually in order to view the content it contained. With the advancement, self-developing traditional x-rays, today we are in an era where there is less need of traditional hard copies but digital versions of the x-ray images are preferred. The digital x-rays not only provide an everlasting impression of your inside of the body, but with a greater resolution. X-ray is a noninvasive, painless and quick method of clicking pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures are then displayed on the computer and can be stored as well. The pictures are used to evaluate and diagnose any underlying disease.

What is the Difference Between Traditional X-Ray and Digital X-Ray?

Difference Between Traditional X-Ray and Digital X-Ray

  • Foremost difference between the two stands in the advancement of the technology. The digital x-rays give an edge in that they can produce a detailed picture of your inside of the body in a greater resolution than traditional x-rays.
  • Digital x-rays, when compared to the traditional X-rays, produce 80% radiation exposure, thereby imparting even less chances for side effects.
  • The traditional x-rays were significantly higher in cost than the modernised digital x-rays are. The cost effectiveness can easily be related to old times cameras where film development was needed but with today's digital camera there is no need for film development. This not only saves time but resources also along with its cost effectiveness.
  • The digital radiography is relatively easy to use and get expertise over.
  • Digital radiography aids in quick image sharing and easy image storage which helps in record keeping and can be referred to in future in case of need. 
  • It has a better image quality, while using less resources. Moreover it needs lesser processing time.

Uses of Digital Radiography?

Digital x-rays can be used for everything a traditional X-rays was being used which includes-

  • For fracture identification and evaluation
  • For viewing evidence for diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, or lung cancer.
  • It can detect infections of bones or teeth and helps the dentist for treatment planning.
  • For detecting bone tumours
  • Can be used to measure bone densities which is helpful in determining certain bone conditions like osteoporosis
  • For dentists it helps detect cavities and other conditions.
  • It can reveal certain digestive attract problems such as kidney stones, sometimes contrast medium is used which contains barium.
  • It can show signs of heart failure and changes in blood flow to the lungs and heart.
  • It can show certain swallowed items such as a coin or tiny toy.

Types of X Rays 

Types of X Rays 

How to Prepare for an X-Ray?

There is no special preparation for an x-ray.

  • You should bring your doctor's prescription along with you while coming for an x-ray.
  • If have had any x-ray for the same area before, it's better to bring that along
  • If you are pregnant you should inform your doctor
  • If you have any allergy, and you are going contrast based study, you should definitely tell your doctor
  • You are not allowed to wear any jewellery during the scan, it's better that you leave all the valuables at home
  • If you have any kidney problems or diabetes, you should inform your doctor beforehand.

How to Find the Best Digital X-Ray Centre Near Me?

There would be many diagnostic centres that offer x-ray systems digitally. But searching for the best diagnostic centre can be a little hard. Defining best includes its cost effectiveness, along with its credible test reports. Ganesh diagnostic and imaging centre guarantees its reports to be 100% accurate and precise for the concern along with its cost effectiveness.

What Are the Advantages And Risks of Digital X-Ray?

Advantages Of Digital X-Ray

  • It contains no hazardous chemicals. 
  • It is cost effective. It does not require darkroom and its processing, because the x-rays get processed in the computer itself. Also the cost of film and chemicals are eliminated
  • It is a faster technique. It decreased exam time and increases the workflow
  • It is quite accurate and needs less retake. It can be viewed and enhanced immediately.
  • Easy to use. Images can be viewed immediately and enhanced as needed.
  • Easy in transmission and storage.
  • Increases revenue. Because of its faster service and improved diagnostic value, it attracts more patients, thereby increasing revenue.

Risks

  • Radiations involved can pose certain risks that are related to radiations. Although it poses 80% less radiation than traditional x-rays. It still possesses radiation hence on multiple exposures over a long period of time, it can lead to DNA and tissue damage which can cause cancer.
  • If contrast medium was used- it can cause allergic reactions which may include symptoms as-
    • Sometimes a life threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock can happen.

Why Ganesh Diagnostic And Imaging Centre?

Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.

We have many x-ray scans, which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many Scans.

Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations

NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.

We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic Scans done, as all services are available under one roof.

GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.

The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon scan Image reports as reports are 100% accurate.

For Free Consultation From the Doctor

Get connected to our doctor directly- 

  • Dr. Ravin Sharma MBBS, MD Radiology)
  • Phone Number- 9212125996
  • Available- 24*7*365

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does it take for a digital x-ray?

The digital x-ray can take a maximum of 5-7 minutes along with the doctor manipulating the image for a better view. The whole process of a traditional x ray was longer than now being used digital x rays traditional x-ray had a period for the film development as well, whereas the digital x-ray doesn't use any film and hence don't need development time physically but the x-ray camera with the help of computer develops the scan image then and there .

What are the uses of a digital x-ray?

Digital x-rays can be used like traditional x-rays in terms of its uses. Digital x-ray can identify any fractures, infections, tumours or abscesses in various parts of the body. It can be used for as many reasons as an investigator needs and likes.

Is It safety take a digital x-ray than a traditional x-ray?

The digital x-ray system typically uses 80% less radiation exposure to the patient than a traditional x-ray. Which makes it relatively more safe than the traditional x-ray system. Although the risk of developing side effects in traditional x-ray is also not very likely because any of the x-ray systems is generally conducted under safety guidelines and by a trained professional.

What is a PSP or CCD sensor in digital radiography.

A digital radiography uses sensors instead of traditionally used x-ray films. The sensors are of various types like PSP(photostimulable phosphor plates), CCD (charge-coupled devices) or CMOS ( complementary metal oxide semiconductors). These sensors are connected to the computer system and the x-ray camera for image production and display on the computer.

What Are The Disadvantages of a Digital X-ray system?

The main disadvantage of a digital x-ray system is the thickness and rigidity of the digital sensor. It can be uncomfortable to the patients when compared to a flexible traditional film system. 

What are the advantages of a digital x-ray system?

Technology always wins over traditionalism. The digital x-ray system is a modernised version of the traditional x-ray system. It is a faster process and offers more clear and improved image quality along with its benefit that it can be saved in the computer and reviewed as many times. Also it is easier to  send a patient its copy which would be immortal unless deleted.

Will there be any radiation in  digital x-ray?

The greatest risk of radiation is that it can cause cancer on multiple exposures for a very long period. although the digital x-ray system poses 70-80% less radiation than a traditional x-ray system. However with any x-ray system the risk of developing cancer is low.