High-Quality Emergency X-Ray in Las Vegas, NV

An X-ray creates images of structures inside of your body. Your doctor may refer to it as radiography. X-rays use a small amount of ionizing radiation to make the images. On the image, different tissues show up as shades of white and black depending on the amount of radiation they absorb. 

Wait at home, not in the emergency room. Use the Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals online waiting service to select your estimated arrival time for X-ray in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.

 

How are X-Ray Images Used?

Doctors use X-ray to diagnose various conditions by examining internal body parts. X-rays are a common diagnostic test in emergency settings.  

Chest Conditions:

Doctors use a chest X-ray for cough with fever, shortness of breath, or following an injury to help diagnose:

  • Lung cancer
  • Enlarged heart
  • Chest trauma including collapsed lung and broken ribs 
  • Pneumonia
  • Fluid in the lungs

Bone Conditions:

Doctors use an X-ray for pain with localized warmth and swelling, joint pain, or following an injury to help diagnose:

Abdominal Conditions:

Doctors use an abdominal X-ray for nonspecific pelvic or belly pain, unexplained nausea, and other symptoms to help diagnose: 

  • Swallowed objects
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Kidney stones
  • Digestive tract problems (using barium contrast to more clearly see the digestive organs)

 

What to Expect During X-Ray at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican

The technologist will position your body on an X-ray platform or table. You may need support to keep your body part in position. A covering, such as a lead apron, may protect other areas of your body from radiation.

To avoid blurring the image, you may need to hold your breath momentarily for some X-rays. The technologist will check the images to make sure they are readable and clear. Sometimes it’s necessary to repeat the X-ray to get the best image. Most X-rays take just a few minutes. Some X-rays, such as a barium contrast, take much longer.

The radiation you are exposed to during an individual X-ray poses little health risk in most cases. However, the risk varies by gender, age, and body part imaged. If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell your doctor. Your doctor may suggest an imaging test that does not use radiation, such as MRI or ultrasound. 

 

Understanding Your X-Ray Results

A radiologist will interpret your X-ray and send a report to your doctor. He or she will go over your results with you. Because today’s X-rays are digital computer images, they are available quickly in emergency settings.

Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican hospitals offers emergency services, including X-ray, in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.