An X-ray is a form of radiant energy, like light or radio waves. X-rays can penetrate the body, allowing a radiologist to produce pictures of bones and internal organs and view them on photographic films or a computer monitor. They are most often used to detect bone or joint problems, or to check the heart and lungs.
Though sometimes still referred to as plain-film X-rays, these types of studies increasing don’t require film. At advanced departments such as that at Lourdes Imaging Associates, the radiologic service employ a filmless, digital system that records X-rays as computerized images. Digital images are much easier to send, store, magnify, highlight, transport, transmit and archive.