X-Ray

Sun Radiology

Radiologist, Neuroradiologist, and Musculoskeletal Radiologist in Glendale, AZ; Peoria, AZ; & Phoenix, AZ

While doctors have been using X-ray technology since the early 20th century, Manntej Sra, MD, a board-certified radiologist, and the team at Sun Radiology offer state-of-the-art digital X-rays for rapid, accurate diagnosis. They have four convenient locations in Peoria, Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona. If you need an X-ray and live in the Greater Phoenix area, call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.

X-Ray Q & A

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is a safe, painless, and noninvasive procedure that creates an image of your bones and the inside of your body by sending a small amount of ionized radiation through your body. 

Different tissues in your body either absorb the radiation or allow it to pass through. Your bones, for example, absorb the radiation, which is why they show up white on an X-ray, while soft tissue allows most of the radiation to pass through, creating gray areas on the X-ray.

Traditional X-rays are collected on film and need a short time to develop. Sun Radiology uses digital X-rays, which create images immediately, allowing your radiologist to examine the inside of your body and provide a rapid and accurate diagnosis. 

While traditional X-rays are safe, a digital X-ray requires as little as 20% of the amount of radiation needed in a conventional X-ray.

Why would I need an X-ray?

X-rays are used for a variety of diagnostic purposes. For example, your doctor may order an X-ray if you have pain or discomfort, and they need more information to diagnose the cause. Some of the conditions that your doctor may diagnose with an X-ray include:

  • Bone cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Enlarged heart
  • Blocked blood vessels
  • Lung problems
  • Digestive problems
  • Bone fractures
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis

They can also use X-rays to monitor the progression of diseases such as osteoporosis as well as the effectiveness of treatment.

How should I prepare for an X-ray?

You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for an X-ray. In most cases, you can wear your regular clothing during the procedure, although your technician may ask you to wear a hospital gown to ensure the X-ray creates clear pictures.

What happens during an X-ray?

During your X-ray, you lie on a treatment table, positioned so the specific body part being examined is directly under the X-ray machine. Your technician may provide a lead apron or blanket to cover the rest of your body.

Your technician steps out of the room to operate the X-ray, although they can see you and talk to you throughout the process. You need to stay very still and may need to hold your breath for a few seconds to ensure the technician can capture clear images. 

If you need an X-ray, call Sun Radiology or make an appointment online for state-of-the-art digital X-ray services.