A digital x-ray is an advanced type of x-ray imaging that uses small amounts of electromagnetic energy to produce instant images of a person’s bones, soft tissues, or organs on a computer. Digital x-rays can be used to confirm or determine the extent of an injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, monitor various illnesses, including cancers and tumors, lung infections, or fluid in the lungs, or detect foreign objects lodged inside a person’s body. Most areas of a person’s body can receive an x-ray, including the head, chest, abdomen, arms, hands, legs, or feet.

The primary difference between digital x-ray imaging and traditional x-ray imaging is in the way each method of x-ray imaging creates and processes images. As such, digital x-ray imaging uses digital detectors that instantly capture data during a patient inspection, while traditional x-ray imaging uses a light-sensitive film that absorbs electromagnetic energy before being developed in a similar fashion to photographic film.

In this way, digital x-ray imaging is able to produce images faster than traditional x-ray imaging while also significantly reducing the amount of radiation exposure required to produce a detailed and enhanced enough image. Digital x-rays reduce the amount of radiation exposure in any given inspection by 80%. As such, digital x-ray imaging is safer, quicker, and more convenient than traditional x-ray imaging.

Digital x-rays use digital detectors to capture and convert electromagnetic energy emitted during an x-ray inspection into data that is processed into a digital image and transferred to a computer.

When a person undergoes a digital x-ray, they will be given a protective apron to limit radiation exposure to the targeted area of the body. After the patient puts on the protective lead apron, they will be asked to place the site of the body being imaged directly between the x-ray source and the digital detectors. This process is painless and straightforward.

Once the targeted part of the body is in the correct position, x-ray energy will be delivered through the body and absorbed by the digital detectors. The digital sensors will then convert the energy into an electrical charge that is represented as a greyscale image, which is produced through processing software and transferred to a nearby computer for immediate viewing.

The two types of digital radiography are computerized radiography (CR) and direct radiography (DR). The difference between these two types of digital radiography is that CR uses a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate to produce a radiograph, while DR uses digital detectors and image readers that are a permanent part of the digital x-ray unit.

If you would like more information about digital x-ray services or need to have an x-ray done, we welcome you to come to Urgent Medical Care in Bloomfield Hills, MI, or Plymouth, MI, for a walk-in appointment. If you wish to schedule an appointment in advance, we welcome you to do so through our website or by calling us. We serve patients from Plymouth MI, Bloomfield MI, Livonia MI, Novi MI, Worden MI, Canton MI, Southfield MI, Troy MI, Farmington Hills MI, and BEYOND.