X-Ray

X-rays are well-known for diagnosing fractures and other bone problems, but they can also detect issues in soft tissues and organs, like your lungs. The skilled radiologists and X-ray technicians at Invision Sally Jobe consistently produce X-rays with the exceptional quality needed to accurately diagnose your condition. They welcome patients at their offices in Littleton, Southwest Littleton, Aurora, Denver, Parker, Golden, Greenwood Village, and Lone Tree, Colorado. Please bring the X-Ray order from your provider with you and our front desk staff will try to get your X-ray scheduled ASAP. To eliminate long wait times, we can also schedule you at 720-493-3700.

How do X-rays produce images?

X-rays use a small amount of radiation to produce images of the tissues inside your body. Your radiologist places a digital or photographic X-ray detector on one side of your body. Then, they send a short X-ray beam from the other side. As the X-ray goes through your body, it creates an image on the detector.

Inside your body, each organ’s density determines how much radiation it absorbs. Bones absorb more than soft tissues, making bones appear white on the X-ray image, and soft tissues appear in shades of gray. Variations in X-ray absorption reveal details in the image doctors use to diagnose problems.

When would I need an X-ray?

X-rays are the gold standard for creating images of your bones but may be recommended for diagnosing certain soft tissue conditions like problems in your stomach and esophagus and breast cancer.

Your Invision Sally Jobe radiologist may also use a contrast material, which is like a dye that improves the visibility of certain tissues.

Health problems diagnosed with X-rays include:

• Broken bones
• Bone spurs
• Bone infections
• Arthritis
• Slipped vertebrae
• Foreign objects
• Lung infections
• Pneumonia
• Kidney and bladder stones

Signs of a heart condition may show up in an X-ray, but cardiovascular conditions need other diagnostic imaging techniques like ultrasound (echocardiography).

What happens when I get an X-ray?

The X-ray technician puts you in the best position to obtain a clear image of the targeted body area. They leave the X-ray area uncovered and place lead aprons over the rest of your body to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure.

They put the X-ray detector under the targeted area and place the X-ray machine next to your body, aiming it at the best angle to get a good image. Then, your technician goes behind a protective wall and takes the X-ray.

You can’t feel the X-ray beam, but you may be uncomfortable holding your body in the required position, especially if you have a fracture or other painful injury or condition. It only takes a few seconds to take the X-ray, and the technician can help you get comfortable.

As you can imagine, children have a hard time holding still. Parents can wear lead protection and stay in the room to help them.

Invision Sally Jobe offers Walk-In X-rays at 7 of our 10 locations. We offer them in Aurora, Lone Tree, Golden, Littleton, Southwest Littleton, Parker, and Greenwood Village. Please bring the order from your provider with you and our front desk staff will try to get your X-ray scheduled ASAP. To eliminate long wait times, we can also schedule you at 720-493-3700.