A digital X-ray test is the most common and non-invasive image diagnostic test that has been around for decades. This image testing is ordered to detect, diagnose, and monitor a host of medical issues.



While other imaging tests are typically used to assess hard-to-reach areas (tissues, blood vessels, nerves, etc.), a digital X-ray, on the other hand, gives a quick picture of the bones, chest, teeth, and abdomen.



Digital X-ray uses radioactive beams that pass through the body, wherein the various body parts block the radiation, thus translating it into an image.



The denser the body part, the more radiation it will block, resulting in a clearer picture. The blocked radiation displays the body parts in various shades in the test report. These include:



White: Bones & metal
Black: Air in the lungs
Gray: Muscle & fat


The X-ray scan is frequently recommended by doctors to diagnose a variety of infections, bone cancer, breast cancer, lung issues, clogged blood vessels, among other conditions.



As the X-ray scan uses radiation for the procedure, it’s a common misconception that it can lead to cell mutations, causing cancer.



While radiation is indeed absorbed by the body, yet the radiation levels in digital X-ray are extremely low, thus making it a safe image diagnostic test.