Many people have at some point had an injury, joint problem or other issue that found them needing a quick, painless X-ray so that a diagnosis could be made. More and more, digital radiography is being used in place of analog X-ray to examine injuries, organs and structures. Because these two tests are used for the same purposes, you may wonder what the differences are between them. So, here's an overview of both.
Traditional X-Ray Imaging
Much like a traditional film camera, X-ray imaging records images on X-ray film, which is then chemically processed to develop the pictures. X-ray imaging can produce high-quality images, but contrast and resolution may be affected by factors such as film quality and processing techniques. Film development can take several minutes to several hours, sometimes producing long wait times.
Because it is a fixed medium, X-ray images are difficult to manipulate or enhance, and often require new images to be taken if the first set proves insufficient.
Digital Radiography
With digital radiography, images are captured using a digital detector. The detector converts X-ray energy into an electrical signal that is then processed and displayed on a computer screen. This process creates clearer pictures, especially of subtle details, right from the start. There’s no need for film or chemical processing, so images are available for review just seconds after they’re taken.
Computer-assisted manipulation allows for enhancements to the brightness and contrast, making it easier for your medical team to visualize specific details and make a quicker, more reliable diagnosis.
Digital images can be easily shared with all members of your care team, stored for comparison with follow-up images, and archived for safekeeping.
Digital radiography reduces patient wait times, delivers clearer, more readable images, promotes more accurate diagnoses, and enables easy image storage, sharing and retrieval. Other benefits of digital radiography include:
Reduced environmental impact. Because it eliminates the need for X-ray film and chemical processing, digital radiography is gentler on the planet.
Improved teamwork. In this era of telemedicine, the speedy transfer of digital images makes remote consultation and collaboration with your healthcare team faster and easier than ever.
While traditional X-ray imaging still has a place in medicine, advancements in digital radiology are making it the preferred imaging technique. If you need an x-ray imaging test, talk to your clinician about digital radiography from RAO. It’s simply better medicine.
