X-Ray

X-ray images are a critical tool for diagnosing and planning treatment for tumors, bone fractures, and certain heart defects, among other medical conditions. Brandon O’Connor, MD, and the team at O’Connor Medical Urgent Care in Port Jervis, New York, provide safe X-ray imaging in the office during same-day or walk-in visits. To schedule an appointment ahead of time, call the office or book online. Otherwise, you can walk in any time for care.

What are X-rays?

X-ray imaging is a long-trusted technique that medical professionals use for imaging. These images show your white bones contrasted against black and grayscale organs, tissues, and empty space. The team at O’Connor Medical Urgent Care uses their highly trained eyes to detect concerning features on X-rays or use them to rule out possible diagnoses. 

An X-ray imaging machine works by emitting electromagnetic energy toward a given part of your body. Those energy beams pass through soft tissues like organs and muscle, which is why they appear black and gray in the resulting X-ray images. Bones absorb most of the energy, making them a glowy white color on the image. 

The O’Connor Medical Urgent Care team might take several X-ray images in the office at different angles for a more comprehensive view of the inside of your body. 

When are X-rays necessary?

X-rays are often the go-to diagnostic test for musculoskeletal injuries like broken bones, but their abilities don’t stop there. The O’Connor Medical Urgent Care team routinely uses X-rays to diagnose, evaluate, or plan treatment for:

• Fractures
• Bone infections
• Arthritis in joints
• Osteoporosis
• Cancer and tumors
• Lung infections or conditions
• Enlarged heart
• Foreign bodies

Depending on your reasons for getting an X-ray, the team may administer contrast dye first. This helps certain structures show up in higher definition on X-ray film. For example, blood vessel blockages are easy to detect after you inject contrast dye into your blood vessels. There are also ingestable contrast dyes to show digestive tract problems. 

Are X-rays safe?

You might have a few concerns about X-rays if it’s your first time getting one or if you don’t know much about the process. X-rays emit a small amount of radiation which may not be safe for pregnant women and their babies. If there’s a chance you’re pregnant, you should let the O’Connor Medical Urgent Care team know before undergoing X-ray imaging.

The minute amount of radiation from a typical X-ray isn’t enough to harm your health. While larger dosages may pose risks, it’s safe to get X-rays every so often in your life. Additionally, the health benefits of getting an X-ray to diagnose or help treat a condition significantly outweigh the risks. 

Call O’Connor Medical Urgent Care or schedule online for your next appointment, or walk in for immediate service today.