X-Ray
X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of
internal tissues, bones and organs on film or digital media. Standard
X-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or
bone injuries. X-ray technology is used in many types of diagnostic procedures,
such as arteriograms, computed tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopy.
Hobbs Hospital uses digital and computerized radiography in these treatments,
which replaces traditional film with cartridges that can be loaded onto
a computer and viewed instantly, meaning a faster, more accurate diagnosis.
During an X-ray, different parts of the body allow varying amounts of X-ray
beams to pass through:
- Soft tissues in the body (such as blood, skin, fat and muscle) allow most
of the X-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film or digital media.
- A bone or a tumor, which is denser than soft tissue, allows only a few
of the X-rays to pass through and appears white on the X-ray. At a break
in a bone, the X-ray beam passes through the broken area and appears as
a dark line in the white bone.