The amount of radiation from an X-ray depends on the body part being examined, the type of imaging, the patient’s size, and the equipment and technique used. As a general example, an adult chest X-ray has an approximate effective dose of 0.1 millisieverts (mSv), which is roughly equivalent to 10 days of natural background radiation. An X-ray of a hand or foot typically involves much less radiation generally less than 0.001 mSv.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we use diagnostic imaging when it is medically appropriate to help evaluate injuries and other conditions. Our X-ray services in Las Vegas can help evaluate suspected fractures, dislocations, and other bone-related problems.
How Is X-Ray Radiation Measured?
Radiation exposure from medical imaging can be described using units such as the millisievert (mSv). Effective dose is used to estimate the potential whole-body radiation risk from an imaging examination and allows radiation exposure to be compared with everyday sources of natural background radiation.
It is important to remember that an mSv value is an approximate comparison, not an exact measurement of the risk for every individual. Actual radiation exposure can vary depending on your body size, the area being examined, the number of images required, and the imaging equipment.
How Much Radiation Does a Chest X-Ray Have?
A typical adult chest X-ray has an approximate effective radiation dose of 0.1 mSv. RadiologyInfo estimates that this is about the same amount of radiation a person receives naturally from the environment over approximately 10 days.
The chest is only one type of radiographic examination, however. A patient should not assume that every X-ray carries the same radiation dose.
For example, a hand or foot X-ray generally requires considerably less radiation because the examination covers a smaller area.
Does Every X-Ray Have the Same Radiation Dose?
No. The radiation dose can vary significantly between different types of diagnostic imaging.
Factors that can affect exposure include:
- The body part being examined
- The number of images required
- Patient size
- The purpose of the examination
- Imaging equipment
- Exposure settings and technique
A small extremity X-ray of the hand or foot may require substantially less radiation than imaging a larger body region. RadiologyInfo lists an approximate dose of less than 0.001 mSv for an adult extremity examination, compared with about 0.1 mSv for a chest X-ray.
This is why it is more accurate to discuss radiation dose based on the specific imaging examination rather than saying that all X-rays have one standard radiation level.
Is the Radiation From an X-Ray Dangerous?
Medical X-rays use ionizing radiation, so there is a small potential long-term risk associated with radiation exposure. However, the risk from a medically appropriate conventional radiographic examination is generally very small, and the FDA states that the clinical benefits of a necessary examination generally outweigh its small radiation risk.
The purpose of radiation safety is not to eliminate every medically necessary X-ray. Instead, healthcare professionals should avoid unnecessary examinations and use an exposure level that provides sufficient image quality for diagnosis.
This approach is known as ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Can I Get an X-Ray More Than Once?
Sometimes a patient may need more than one imaging examination, particularly when monitoring an injury or evaluating a new medical problem.
Having a previous X-ray does not automatically mean another one is unsafe or unnecessary. Your healthcare provider should consider your medical history, previous imaging, current symptoms, and whether a new examination is likely to provide useful diagnostic information.
Keeping a record of previous diagnostic imaging can help your healthcare providers determine whether a repeat examination is necessary. The FDA recommends considering previous imaging history as part of efforts to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.
Is an X-Ray Safe for Children?
Children are generally more sensitive to radiation than adults, so special attention should be given to minimizing unnecessary exposure in pediatric imaging.
That does not mean a child should avoid a medically necessary X-ray examination. When imaging is needed to evaluate a suspected fracture or another condition, the diagnostic benefit can outweigh the small radiation risk.
Healthcare professionals should use appropriate techniques and settings based on the child’s size and the examination being performed.
What If I Am Pregnant or Might Be Pregnant?
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider before an X-ray examination.
Whether an imaging study is appropriate depends on the medical situation and the body region being examined. When radiography is medically necessary, healthcare professionals can take appropriate steps to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.
Do not avoid necessary medical care simply because you are concerned about radiation. Instead, discuss your pregnancy status and concerns with your healthcare provider before the examination.
How Can Radiation Exposure Be Reduced?
The best way to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure is to make sure the imaging examination is medically justified and properly optimized.
Radiation safety includes:
Only performing necessary imaging: An X-ray should be ordered when it can help answer an important clinical question.
Using the appropriate technique: Exposure settings should be adjusted for the patient and body area being examined.
Avoiding unnecessary repeat images: Previous imaging should be considered when deciding whether another examination is needed.
Following ALARA principles: The goal is to use the lowest radiation dose that still produces an image adequate for diagnosis.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, our approach is to use diagnostic imaging when it can provide meaningful information about your condition.
When Might You Need an X-Ray?
A healthcare provider may recommend X-ray diagnostic imaging when you have symptoms that suggest a possible bone or joint injury.
Common situations include:
- Suspected fracture after a fall
- Pain following a car accident
- Significant swelling after an injury
- Difficulty putting weight on an injured foot or leg
- Suspected dislocation
- Persistent bone or joint pain
- Sports injuries
- Certain workplace injuries
- Trauma involving the wrist, hand, ankle, knee, shoulder, or other joints
If you have experienced an injury in Las Vegas and need an evaluation, our diagnostic X-ray clinic in Las Vegas can be part of your medical assessment when imaging is appropriate.
The Diagnostic Process at Sahara West Urgent Care
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we do not recommend imaging based solely on a patient’s request. Our medical team first considers your symptoms, medical history, injury mechanism, and physical examination.
If your condition suggests a fracture, dislocation, or another problem that can be evaluated with radiography, we can determine whether X-ray imaging is appropriate.
Our priority is to balance accurate diagnosis with responsible radiation safety. That means avoiding unnecessary exposure while obtaining the diagnostic information needed to make appropriate care decisions.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for X-Ray Imaging?
If you are worried about radiation after an injury, you do not have to make the decision on your own. A healthcare professional can determine whether the potential diagnostic benefit of an X-ray outweighs its small radiation risk.
Sahara West Urgent Care provides convenient medical evaluations for patients in Las Vegas who may need diagnostic imaging for injuries and other conditions.
Whether you have pain after a fall, sports injury, workplace incident, or car accident, our team can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether X-ray services in Las Vegas are appropriate.
If you have persistent pain, swelling, difficulty moving a joint, or concern about a possible fracture, book your visit with Sahara West Urgent Care or visit our urgent care center in Las Vegas.
Getting the right imaging at the right time can help identify an injury while avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.
