DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY (X-RAYS)

Radiographs can be taken using two technologies: analog and digital. The difference is dramatic. Analog technology uses radiation to expose a film. The film is developed and can be viewed only by those present.

Digital technology uses radiation to expose a computerized receiver that stores the information as "digits." The computer can then send this information to computers within the hospital or anywhere in the world that has access to the Internet.  Further, the images produced by the computer using the digital information can be modified to produce much finer detail and much clearer pictures of the tissues that were exposed.  For example, if you were looking at an image such as that in image 1 (below, left), and you see something of interest, you can "blow up" the area for a more detailed look as seen in image 2 (below right).