How to Choose the Right X-Ray for Your Needs

X-rays are often chosen as the initial screening tool for patients due to their accessibility, widespread availability, and cost-effectiveness. They provide quick imaging results, allowing healthcare professionals to promptly evaluate and triage patients.

X-rays are particularly effective in detecting bone fractures, evaluating joint conditions, and diagnosing lung and chest abnormalities. They are often used in urgent care clinics to evaluate walk-in patients. There are two types of X-ray techniques available today –- traditional and digital. Let us help you choose the right one for your needs and inform you of where to get the right X-ray in North Richland Hills, TX.

Traditional X-Rays

Traditional X-rays have both pros and cons as a diagnostic tool. Traditional X-rays are an established and well-understood imaging technique that effectively detects bone fractures and skeletal injuries. Traditional X-rays are relatively low-cost, making them a cost-effective option for imaging. Additionally, they are widely available in healthcare settings, ensuring their accessibility. Immediate image acquisition without the need for digital processing allows for quick evaluations. They are also effective in evaluating lung and chest conditions, such as pneumonia or fluid accumulation.

Traditional X-rays require longer processing time due to film development and drying, and once developed, the images have limited manipulation options. Films need physical storage space and can be susceptible to damage or loss, leading to challenges in retrieval and sharing. Compared to digital X-rays, traditional X-rays result in higher radiation exposure. The image quality may be affected by exposure errors or processing inconsistencies. Furthermore, traditional X-rays have limited detail and resolution compared to advanced imaging techniques like CT or MRI and offer limited soft tissue visualization.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays offer several advantages over traditional film-based X-rays, which is why they are now in widespread use in various healthcare settings.

Digital X-rays provide higher image resolution and clarity compared to traditional film X-rays. This enhanced image quality allows for better visualization of anatomical structures and more accurate diagnoses. The results of a digital X-ray are also immediate since the need for film processing is eliminated. The images can be manipulated and stored electronically, which enables healthcare professionals to view and interpret them quickly. It facilitates faster decision-making, and better collaboration between providers, especially in emergency situations, since digital X-rays eliminate the time-consuming process of film development and retrieval. Lastly, digital X-ray systems require lower radiation doses compared to traditional film-based systems, which makes it a better choice for individuals needing repeated X-rays over time but are concerned about radiation exposure.

Which is Better?

Still, wondering which of the two X-ray options is better? The best option for X-ray is clearly digital X-ray due to its many benefits and lower radiation exposure. If you are due for an X-ray, make a digital X-ray your preferred choice and go to a clinic that offers this service.

Digital X-Rays in North Richland Hills, TX

EMC Express Care is a walk-in clinic that offers digital X-rays for our patients for a quick and accurate evaluation of their medical condition. We are proud to offer this safer alternative to traditional X-rays. There is no need to make an appointment with us, simply drop by our urgent care clinic at 8245 Precinct Line Road, Suite #100.

For any questions, call us today at (817) 503-8800. We are open daily from 10 am to 8 pm and look forward to serving you the highest quality urgent medical services in North Richland Hills.