Programs & Services Radiology Diagnostic Radiology

X-ray Imaging

X-ray imaging is the most best-known and most time-honored form of radiology. An X-ray machine passes X-rays through the body, where they are absorbed to greater extent by harder, denser tissue. This approach reveals bones, calcifications and other types of tissue with great clarity against softer tissue. X-rays remain the mainstay of radiology.

Though sometimes still referred to as plain-film X-rays, these types of studies increasing don't require film. At advanced departments such as that at Lourdes, the radiologic service employ a filmless, digital system that records X-rays as computerized images. Digital images are much easier to send, store, magnify, highlight, transport, transmit and archive.

Lourdes general radiology service use X-rays to detect and evaluate injuries, abnormal masses or other growths, malformations and other conditions. For inpatients, Lourdes also takes advantage of a portable X-ray unit that is mobile to patient rooms or other areas of the hospital, and that wirelessly transmits the digital X-ray image to the hospital's image archiving system for electronic access. X-rays are used in mammography, as well.

For some types of X-ray imaging, radiologists use contrast material to make certain vessels or organs stand out. In angiography, for example, the specialists infuse a contrast medium into blood vessels to make their shape, structure, location and size easier to see and to highlight them against other tissue. Radiologists use this approach commonly to evaluate the vasculature of the heart, brain and carotids, kidney, legs, feet and other areas. Lourdes takes pride in high-quality use of X-ray technology these purposes, including for care of heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and kidney disease.

X-rays are still the most common and familiar form of radiologic imaging.
Fluoroscopy is another type of X-ray study using contrast material, in this case to create series of images viewed on a fluorescent screen or monitor. Physician-led teams can view the motion and function of organs often during an intervention, and Lourdes' advanced facilities capture these images electronically. Specialists use this approach most commonly in the cardiologic or radiologic interventional suite when treating abnormalities in vessels providing blood to the heart, brain, abdominal truck, extremities and elsewhere.

More information on X-ray imaging.

To arrange for radiology services at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center or Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County:

1-888-LOURDES

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