Having been utilized since the early 1900s to detect and diagnose health issues, an X-ray is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. With the continuous advancement of medical technology, traditional X-rays have evolved into digital X-rays. This modernized digital type of medical imaging has a variety of benefits compared to the traditional X-ray.
- Less radiation. Medical studies have revealed that a digital X-ray produces 80 percent less radiation than a traditional X-ray. While many consider traditional X-ray’s minimal radiation exposure safe, a digital X-ray is found to be even safer. It is extremely unlikely that you will develop any type of medical issue due to its radiation.
- More cost effective and efficient. Digital X-ray technology is easily available and offered at a low cost to medical institutions. The cost effectiveness of a digital X-ray versus a traditional one is due to the fact that film is costly. It is not only expensive to purchase, but also costs to be developed. With a digital X-ray, there is no need to spend time developing the image as it can produce and display an image in as little as three seconds!Another benefit of digital radiography is that storage space is unlimited as you can simply transfer digital images onto a hard drive for convenient access in the future. When using traditional X-rays, film is difficult to store and maintain as images degrade over time. However with digital X-rays, the image does not lose its quality. The digital image can also be easily resized to a larger image without any distortion or loss of quality. For medical providers, this means an easier, more accurate diagnosis process. For patients, this means that they can view their images on a larger scale where they can view the problem or abnormality more easily.
- More environment-friendly. Digital technology is considered more “green” than traditional technology. A digital X-ray does not require chemicals or film paper that is disposed into the environment as a traditional X-ray does.
At Maryville Imaging, we offer our patients the convenience of digital X-rays on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary. For more information on our Digital X-ray services or what to expect during the procedure, visit https://www.janc12.sg-host.com/services/digital-x-ray or contact us today at 618-288-4929!