Chadwick Medical Associates

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic waves. Its wavelength is extremely short, usually expressed in nanometers. X-rays cannot be seen by human eyes. X-rays are produced after matter is bombarded by high velocity electrons.

Since the discovery of x-rays in 1895, they have been widely used in the medical field as a diagnostic tool. For x-ray beams of the same energy, their penetration power varies with the density of the matter. Images are produced when x-rays pass through organs with different densities. These images are particularly useful in diagnosis of various diseases, for example, bone fractures and lung pathologies. Recently, interventional radiological examinations with therapeutic applications have become more popular as an alternative to major operations.

Items of clothing that are dense enough to be imaged on film (such as; bra, belt, necklace, buttons or zippers) should be removed prior to the examination as they may result in diagnostic confusion. Suitable clothing will be provided by the radiology department for your examination. There are examinations that do not require the change of clothing, such as hand and skull examinations. However, objects such as hairpins, earrings, rings, and watches should be removed as they may obscure the structure being investigated. Patients are advised to follow instructions given by the staff so as to minimize the chance of needing a repeat examination, and additional radiation exposure.

Our radiologists are accredited by the American College of Radiology and our facility is registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Radiation Control Program.