Digital X-Ray
An X-ray is one of the quickest and most widely used imaging tests. It passes a small, controlled dose of radiation through the body to produce a picture of the bones, lungs and other structures. Our digital equipment gives sharp images within seconds while keeping the dose as low as possible.
At YGOPH, X-rays are used every day to look for pneumonia and tuberculosis in children, to check for fractures, to assess a swollen abdomen and to follow patients in intensive care. Standard X-rays are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and special contrast studies such as hysterosalpingography (HSG) are performed by appointment.
What is a digital X-ray?
A digital X-ray records the image on an electronic detector instead of film. Dense tissues such as bone absorb more X-rays and appear white, air in the lungs appears black, and soft tissues appear in shades of grey. Because the image is digital, the radiologist can adjust the contrast and zoom in without repeating the exposure, and images can be stored and compared over time. A standard X-ray takes only a few minutes.
- Cough, fever or breathing difficulty, to look for pneumonia or tuberculosis
- Suspected fracture, dislocation or bone infection
- Abdominal pain or swelling, or suspected bowel obstruction
- Checking the position of tubes and catheters in hospitalised patients
- Dental and sinus assessment
- Special contrast studies of the uterus and fallopian tubes or the urinary tract
Good to know
Standard X-rays
Chest, limb, spine, pelvis and abdominal X-rays need no preparation and are performed on a walk-in basis, day and night. You may be asked to remove jewellery and clothing with metal parts and to hold your breath for a second. Children are positioned gently, and a parent can help if needed, wearing a protective apron.
Contrast studies by appointment
Some examinations use a contrast medium to show organs that are not visible on a plain X-ray. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) checks whether the fallopian tubes are open in women with fertility problems, and intravenous urography (IVU) examines the kidneys and bladder. These are booked in advance and come with specific preparation instructions.
Radiation and safety
The dose from a single X-ray is very small: a chest X-ray, for example, is comparable to a few days of natural background radiation. We still use the lowest dose necessary, protect other parts of the body with lead aprons where appropriate, and avoid X-rays in pregnancy unless they are truly needed.