X-Ray

X-rays are imaging tests that health providers use to diagnose broken bones and pneumonia or look for foreign objects. St. Michael's Elite Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas, is an emergency room clinic that provides full hospital services, including X-rays. The team uses X-rays to diagnose your health problem and provide the care you need quickly and safely. Call St. Michael's Elite Hospital or walk-in for no-wait emergency room care.

What are X-rays?

X-rays are an imaging test. These tests use electromagnetic waves to create images of the inside of your body. 

Images appear as shades of white, gray, or black based on the amount of radiation a body part absorbs. For example, your bones absorb the most amount of the electromagnetic waves and appear as white images, while the air in your lungs absorbs none, appearing black. 

You may have concerns about X-rays because of the use of radiation to get the needed images. However, the benefits of X-rays far outweigh the risks. When performing X-ray testing at St. Michael's Elite Hospital, the team places a lead apron over your body for extra protection. 

Additionally, harm from X-rays depends on the frequency of exposure over a lifetime. An occasional X-ray isn't harmful. 

Who needs X-rays?

The St. Michael's Elite Hospital team decides if you need X-rays after an initial exam. You may need an X-ray if the team wants to confirm or rule out a fracture. 

They also perform X-rays to diagnose pneumonia, look for abnormal masses, or identify the location of a foreign object. 

What happens during X-rays?

St. Michael's Elite Hospital performs X-rays onsite. The radiology department at the emergency room clinic is open 24 hours a day with a certified radiology technician. 

During your X-ray, the radiology technician walks you through the process step-by-step. They position you on the X-ray table and then position the X-ray camera over your body. They cover you with the lead apron and take the necessary pictures.

The radiology technician may have you adjust your position to get images from different angles.  

What happens after X-rays?

After your X-rays, the radiology technician returns you to your private room, and your physician reviews the results of the test with you. With an onsite radiology department, the team gets results quickly to get you the diagnosis and treatment you need without a long wait.

Your physician then provides the necessary treatment for your emergency room visit. For patients with pneumonia and severe shortness of breath, the team may admit you to an inpatient bed to provide breathing treatments or intravenous (IV) fluids or medications.

St. Michael's Elite Hospital is an emergency room clinic with full hospital services, including X-rays. For quick and compassionate care, call St. Michael's Elite Hospital or walk-in.