X-Ray Safety in the ER: What Patients Should Know

In the El Mirage Emergency Room, we know that fast diagnostics and fast care are critical, and we employ a variety of tools to help us get you the care you need as soon possible. X-rays in particular play a vital role in the diagnosing of emergency conditions. Using electromagnetic radiation, X-rays create images from inside your body. Whether you’re coming to the emergency room concerned about internal injuries, a broken bone, a chest infection, or a foreign object in your body, an X-ray is one of the most powerful tools our medical team uses to get answers quickly.

At the El Mirage Emergency Room, your safety is our top priority. Here are some of the ways we keep you safe:

Only what’s necessary

When the medical situation deems it necessary, we ensure the least X-ray exposure possible, as needed. We only take images that are necessary to obtain a clear diagnosis.
A customized experience

We understand that X-rays are not a one-size-fits-all process. Our technicians adjust imaging settings based on your age, size, and the body part being assessed. This ensures that only the necessary amount of radiation is emitted.
One and done

The El Mirage Emergency Room professionals are trained to lead patients through steps during the process to help ensure that the images taken are clear, lessening the need repeated imaging. These steps might include directions such as when to hold your breath, when to hold very still, and the direction on the precise placement of body parts.
Aprons and shielding

It’s part of our X-ray protocol to encourage patients to wear lead aprons or use other shielding items to cover areas not being examined.

But are they safe?

We get a lot of questions about whether the amount of radiation emitted during the X-ray process is harmful. The truth is that the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during an X-ray is often very minimal.

Humans are exposed to radiation every day – this is commonly referred to as background radiation, and can come from radon, the environment, outer space, and more.

The radiation someone is typically exposed to during a chest X-ray, for example, matches what a person would be exposed to naturally over the course of 10 days. An arm or leg X-ray emits even less radiation, matching what someone would be exposed to in just 3 hours in their normal environment. Other, more intensive, screenings may result in greater radiation exposure, and you should talk to your medical provider about any concerns you may have and to ensure your scans are necessary.

You can do your part

Our patients can help us perform the safest possible X-rays by reporting any medical conditions or concerns, letting us know whether you’ve had other recent imaging scans, and staying still during the X-ray process.

With the safety practices followed by the team at the El Mirage Emergency Room, and the innovative and modern technology we use in our facility, you can feel assured that you’ll be in the best medical hands. Whether you need an X-ray in El Mirage, or have another urgent need, our emergency room is equipped to provide the care you need, when you need it.