Diagnostic X-Ray

Quick Links: Frequently Asked Questions Fluoroscopic Imaging

Diagnostic X-Ray is the oldest and most widely used means of medical imaging. It is also the most familiar means of medical imaging. In 2006, Diagnostic X-Ray performed over 140,000 studies throughout the system. Diagnostic X-Ray uses an external radiation source to image the human body. The source is placed over the area of concern or interest, and a technologist controls the amount of radiation from a control console. Images are often obtained in fractions of a second, and then processed and analyzed for quality.

As part of our commitment to provide the very best in equipment and technology, Sparrow Radiology is currently finalizing plans to build a new, fully digital, Diagnostic X-Ray department, to be completed and functioning in early to mid 2008.

Filmless imaging - Creating an X-Ray image without film that stores the image in an "electronic" format on a computer medium.

General imaging - Any kind of X-Ray that does not use contrast (i.e., hand, back or skull X-Ray).

Portable imaging - When a patient is too ill or because of an injury, this modality allows us to take a mobile X-Ray Unit to the patient to get an X-Ray.

Surgical imaging - Diagnostic imaging procedures are also provided in the operating rooms at Sparrow. We use mobile X-Ray Units for both general X-Ray and fluoroscopic procedures.

The Diagnostic Radiology Department at Sparrow Hospital is qualified as a Level 1 Trauma Department. The department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by technical and physician staff.

Portable imaging machine

Portable C-Arm for surgical imaging