MultiCare Health System

X-ray

This is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. Discovered more than a century ago, x-rays can produce diagnostic images of the human body on film or digitally on a computer screen.

X-ray imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bones, such as skull fractures and spine injuries. Dense tissues in the body, such as bones, block or absorb many of the X-rays and appear white on an X-ray picture.

More X-rays pass through less dense tissues, such as muscles and organs, which appear in shades of gray.

Common Types of X-ray
Abdominal X-ray
Arthrogram (Joint X-ray)
Chest X-ray
Extremity X-ray
Facial X-ray
Skull X-ray
Spinal X-ray