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Clear, Comfortable X-rays

X-rays are invisible, high-energy light rays with a very short wavelength. These properties enable the energy to pass through many materials. Since X-rays can easily pass through skin, but not bone, healthcare professionals use them to take photographs of a person’s skeleton and other internal structures in a fast and painless manner. X-rays allow doctors to see, search for, and track abnormalities inside the body without making a single incision, giving them the necessary information to make better, more accurate diagnoses for a meaningful improvement in quality of life.

Allow our friendly, professional staff at Longhorn Imaging to make your experience comfortable and easy. We deliver X-rays with warm, personalized care at our imaging centers in North Austin, South Austin, Cedar Park, Killeen, Marble Falls, Bastrop, and Onion Creek.

X-Ray Machine

The benefits of X-rays

X-rays are an important imaging tool, used for a variety of purposes. These tests are helpful when it comes to surgical treatment planning, to diagnose certain conditions and monitor treatment, and provide guidance for medical personnel when placing medical devices in the body. X-rays can also reveal unexpected information that deviates from the initial reason for the exam. For example, it can potentially expose infections in the bone or certain types of tumors. Although X-rays may not be the only test performed to diagnose diseases or other medical conditions, these tests play an important role in the diagnostic process. 

Other benefits include:

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to experience
  • Can identify health conditions
  • Lower radiation than some tests
Patient undergoing an X-RAY at Longhorn Imaging

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Getting an X-ray in Austin

X-rays have been used in medicine for more than a century. Since then, many improvements have been made, but the basic concept remains the same. They are essentially photographs created using invisible light from the higher end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Since there are dangers associated with this kind of light, facilities that perform X-ray exams take numerous safety precautions, such as wearing a safety vest and clearing the room while the test is administered.

While the dangers associated with X-rays were not known a century ago, they became clearer and are almost negligible nowadays. Over time, doctors discovered that there are many ways in which X-rays can be useful. As a result, these radioactive pulses can detect: 

  • Broken bones
  • Osteoporosis
  • Certain heart conditions
  • Tumors

The versatility and relatively low cost of X-rays make this imaging test a great tool for doctors to explore any internal conditions patients may have. If your healthcare provider has suggested that you have an X-ray test, visit Longhorn Imaging for fast and reliable diagnostic imaging – in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

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Possible risks

While they are incredibly valuable for diagnosing conditions like broken bones or lung disease, X-ray machines do come with some risks. The main concern with X-ray exposure is that it can damage cells and tissues, potentially leading to cancer. This risk is especially relevant when someone is exposed to high doses of radiation, such as in repeated or unnecessary X-ray procedures.

The potential harm from X-rays comes from the ionizing radiation they emit. This type of radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, which can result in DNA damage. If this damage is not properly repaired, it can lead to mutations or other cell abnormalities, which in some cases can lead to cancer. The risk is generally low for individuals who go through X-rays, but it increases with the frequency of exposure and the dose.

Pregnant women in particular should avoid getting an X-ray, as developing fetuses are more sensitive to radiation. Healthcare providers often use alternative methods of imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, when X-rays may pose a risk to the unborn child. 

In general, medical professionals carefully consider the benefits of an X-ray against the potential risks to ensure that it is necessary and safe for the patient.

Words from our patients

The reception people were very friendly and helpful. Even though I was early for my appointment, they got me in for my X-ray very quickly. The X-ray tech was also very welcoming and helpful. Got the job done quickly and correctly. When he went to get his supervisor to make sure the images were good, the supervisor literally came running and approved the images. Everyone was just great.

Morgan M.

I went in there this morning for an MRI and x-ray, and even though I was a few minutes behind, they were the nicest staff that I’ve met in a long, long time. I got back SO fast, and every person was so sweet to me. I allocated three hours for these appointments, and I was done within an hour. I recently had a concussion and TBI, so to have considerate staff and insane efficiency was just like the best experience. Thank y'all so much for being so nice to me this afternoon!

Aubree S.

The lab technician was able to complete my CT scan even before the scheduled time. The x-ray technician completed my wife's x-rays before her scheduled MRI's. My wife is somewhat claustrophobic. The MRI technician explained the procedure, gave her some options on timing of the two separate scans as well as music or ear plugs. He calmed her nerves and assured her that it would be fine. We found all the staff to be efficient, accommodating and friendly. The whole process of check-in through departure was much less than expected. The facility is clean and organized. The equipment seemed current and capable.

Kenn B.
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X-ray FAQs

Are X-rays safe?

What are X-rays used for

How do X-rays work?

Are X-rays safe?

Yes, the risk of harm from a single X-ray is low, repeated exposure over time can accumulate, so it's important to follow medical guidance and only have X-rays when they are medically necessary. You should avoid unnecessary X-rays, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women or children, unless absolutely needed. If you ever have concerns, you should talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits in your specific case.

What are X-rays used for

X-rays are widely used in medicine for diagnostic imaging and guiding procedures. They are commonly used to detect bone fractures and joint dislocations, as well as to diagnose lung conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer through chest X-rays. For mammograms, a special type of X-ray, are used for breast cancer screening. Additionally, X-rays are essential in computed tomography (CT) scans, which create detailed cross-sectional images of the body to diagnose conditions like cancer, internal bleeding, and brain injuries. X-rays also play a crucial role in guiding medical procedures, such as in fluoroscopy, where continuous X-ray images help doctors during surgeries or when inserting devices like catheters. Furthermore, angiograms use X-rays to visualize blood vessels, helping diagnose issues like blockages in the cardiovascular system.

How do X-rays work?

X-rays work by passing a controlled amount of high-energy radiation through the body. When directed at an object or person, X-rays are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the tissues they pass through. Dense structures, like bones, absorb more X-rays and appear white on the resulting image. Softer tissues, such as muscles and organs, absorb fewer X-rays and appear darker. The X-rays that pass through the body are captured on a detector, which creates an image that helps doctors see the internal structure and diagnose conditions. In advanced imaging like CT scans, multiple X-ray images are taken from different angles and combined to create detailed 3D images.

Available at these Locations

Hutto

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Kyle

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Huebner Road

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Stone Oak

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South Austin

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Onion Creek

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North Austin

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Marble Falls

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Killeen

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Cedar Park

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Bastrop

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