X‑Ray Examinations in Grand Rapids, MI

X‑ray examinations are one of the most common imaging tests used by healthcare providers in Grand Rapids to look at your bones and internal organs. Hospitals and clinics across the area—including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health—use modern digital x‑ray technology to help diagnose injuries and medical conditions quickly and safely.

In an x‑ray exam, a special machine emits a small amount of ionizing radiation. This radiation passes through your body and is captured on a digital detector to create an image that your healthcare provider can review.

How X‑Rays Work

Different tissues in your body absorb x‑rays in different amounts:

  • Bone (high in calcium) blocks more radiation and appears white or light gray.
  • Soft tissues (muscles, organs) appear in varying shades of gray.
  • Air-filled spaces (like healthy lungs) allow x‑rays to pass through easily and appear black.

In the past, x‑rays were recorded on film. Most Grand Rapids imaging centers now use digital x‑ray systems, which:

  • Produce high-quality images
  • Allow faster exam times
  • Make it easier to share results with your doctor electronically

Who Performs and Reads Your X‑Ray

Two main types of professionals are involved in your x‑ray examination:

  • Radiographer (X‑ray technologist)

    • Performs the exam
    • Positions your body and operates the x‑ray machine
    • Ensures images are taken safely and correctly

  • Radiologist

    • A medical doctor specially trained to interpret x‑ray and other imaging studies
    • Reviews your images and sends a report to your referring provider (such as your primary care doctor or specialist)

In Grand Rapids, radiologists and radiologic technologists work in hospital radiology departments, urgent care centers, orthopedic clinics, and independent imaging centers throughout Kent County.

Common Reasons for X‑Ray Examinations

X‑rays are used every day in Grand Rapids emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, and outpatient centers. Common uses include:

Bone and Joint Problems

  • Diagnosis of fractures (broken bones) after falls, sports injuries, or car accidents—especially common in winter with icy sidewalks and roads in West Michigan
  • Detection of dislocations (bones out of normal position at a joint)
  • Evaluation of arthritis and other joint conditions
  • Assessment of bone infections or bone tumors

Chest and Lung Conditions

  • Pneumonia and other lung infections (more common in cold, winter months in Michigan)
  • Chronic lung diseases such as emphysema or COPD
  • Possible lung cancer
  • Heart enlargement or signs of heart failure
  • Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)

Surgical and Procedure Guidance

  • Helping surgeons confirm:
    • Proper alignment of a fracture during orthopedic surgery
    • Correct positioning of metal plates, screws, or artificial joints
  • Guiding other procedures (for example, checking placement of some tubes or devices)

Detection of Foreign Objects

  • Finding metal fragments, swallowed coins, or other foreign bodies in soft tissues or the digestive tract

Radiation Dose and Safety

The amount of radiation you receive from an x‑ray depends on which part of your body is imaged:

  • Small areas (like a hand or foot) use a very low dose
  • Larger areas (like the spine, chest, or abdomen) use a higher dose, but still kept as low as reasonably possible

On average, a typical x‑ray gives you about the same amount of radiation you would normally receive from the environment in about one week.

Safety Points

  • The dose is considered low and generally safe for most people.
  • There is a very small increase in lifetime cancer risk (less than 0.01%) from a single standard x‑ray.
  • You will not be radioactive after the test. You are safe to be around family, children, and pets immediately after your exam.

Because radiation exposure adds up over your lifetime, it is important to:

  • Tell your provider about any recent imaging tests
  • Ask if previous images are available (especially if you see multiple providers in different Grand Rapids health systems)
  • Only have x‑rays when medically necessary

Pregnancy and X‑Rays

Always tell your doctor, radiographer, or radiology staff if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

  • In many cases, another type of test (like ultrasound or MRI) may be recommended instead, especially for imaging the abdomen or pelvis.
  • If an x‑ray is absolutely necessary, extra shielding and precautions will be used to protect your baby.

This is especially important for women receiving care at local OB/GYN practices and maternity centers in Grand Rapids.

Preparing for an X‑Ray in Grand Rapids

For most standard x‑ray exams, no special preparation is needed. However, depending on the area being imaged and the facility (hospital, urgent care, or imaging center), you may be asked to:

  • Arrive a little early for registration
  • Change into a hospital gown
  • Remove jewelry, glasses, belts, or clothing with metal (zippers, snaps, underwire bras)

Contrast Agents (X‑Ray Dye)

Some x‑ray studies use an iodinated contrast agent (a type of “dye”) to make certain organs or blood vessels easier to see. This may be used for:

  • Imaging the bowel
  • Examining blood vessels
  • Certain specialized x‑ray procedures

If contrast is needed, the x‑ray department will give you specific instructions, which may include:

  • Not eating or drinking for a few hours before the test
  • Drinking a special liquid or receiving contrast through an IV

If you receive care through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health, you will typically receive preparation instructions through their patient portals or by phone before your appointment.

What to Expect During the X‑Ray Exam

A basic x‑ray exam is usually quick and painless. The steps are generally similar across all Grand Rapids imaging centers:

  1. Check-in and Preparation

    • You check in at the radiology or imaging desk.
    • You may be asked to change into a gown and remove metal objects.

  2. Positioning

    • The radiographer will help position you between the x‑ray machine and the digital detector.
    • You may be asked to:
      • Stand
      • Sit
      • Lie down on a table

  3. Protection

    • A lead apron or shield may be placed over parts of your body not being imaged to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.

  4. Taking the X‑Ray

    • The radiographer will step behind a protective screen.
    • You may be asked to:
      • Hold still
      • Hold your breath for a few seconds (especially for chest x‑rays)
    • Each image only takes a moment. A simple exam, like a hand x‑ray, usually takes just a few minutes.

  5. Completion

    • Once all images are taken, you can get dressed and leave unless you are staying in the hospital for other care.

More complex x‑ray procedures (especially those using contrast) may take longer.

After Your X‑Ray

Immediately After the Exam

  • You can resume normal activities right away for a standard x‑ray.
  • If you changed into a gown, you can get dressed and leave once you are done.
  • There is no recovery time needed for a conventional x‑ray.

If You Received Contrast

If a contrast agent was used, you may be given instructions such as:

  • Drink extra water over the next 24 hours to help flush the contrast from your system.
  • Watch for any unusual symptoms (such as rash, itching, or trouble breathing) and contact your provider or seek urgent care if they occur.

Your radiographer or nurse will explain any special aftercare before you leave.

Getting Your X‑Ray Results in Grand Rapids

  • A radiologist will review and interpret your x‑ray images.
  • A written report is sent to your referring provider (such as your primary care doctor, urgent care provider, or specialist).
  • You may receive results:
    • At a follow-up appointment
    • Through your health system’s online patient portal (e.g., Spectrum Health MyChart, Trinity Health MyChart, Metro Health or Mercy Health portals)
    • By phone, if your provider’s office contacts you

If you have not heard back within the timeframe your provider mentioned, call their office to ask about your results.

Risks and Complications

For most people, x‑ray exams are very safe. Potential concerns include:

  • Radiation exposure: Low but cumulative over a lifetime—another reason to avoid unnecessary repeat exams.
  • Allergic reaction to contrast (if used): Rare, but more likely in people with a history of contrast allergy, asthma, or certain other allergies.

Tell the radiology staff if you:

  • Have had a reaction to x‑ray dye or contrast before
  • Have kidney disease
  • Are pregnant or might be pregnant

Alternatives to X‑Ray Examinations

Depending on your condition, your Grand Rapids healthcare provider may recommend other imaging options, such as:

  • Ultrasound

    • Uses sound waves (no radiation)
    • Common for pregnancy, some abdominal issues, blood vessels, and soft-tissue evaluations

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    • Uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves (no radiation)
    • Produces detailed 3D images of soft tissues, brain, spine, joints, and some internal organs

  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

    • Uses x‑rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images
    • Often used for trauma, complex fractures, chest and abdominal problems

  • Bone Density Testing (DEXA Scan)

    • A specialized low-dose x‑ray to measure bone strength and diagnose osteoporosis
    • Particularly important in Michigan’s older adults, who may be at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency during long winters

Your provider will help choose the safest and most appropriate test based on your symptoms, medical history, and prior imaging.

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids, MI

Living in West Michigan can influence when and why x‑rays are ordered:

  • Winter and ice-related injuries
    • Falls on icy sidewalks, driveways, and steps are common causes of wrist, ankle, and hip fractures.
  • Sports and outdoor activities
    • Year-round sports, biking, and lake activities can lead to sprains, fractures, and other injuries that need x‑ray evaluation.
  • Respiratory infections
    • Seasonal flu, colds, and pneumonia are more frequent in colder months and may require chest x‑rays to evaluate lung health.

When to Seek Help

Contact a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids if you have:

  • A possible broken bone or severe joint injury
  • Sudden, severe chest pain or trouble breathing
  • A bad fall, especially if you hit your head or cannot bear weight on a limb
  • Persistent bone or joint pain that does not improve

Local Resources

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
  • Urgent care centers and walk‑in clinics across Grand Rapids
  • Hospital emergency departments at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health for serious or life‑threatening problems
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for information and referrals to local healthcare services

If you have questions about whether you need an x‑ray, talk with your doctor or call a local nurse advice line associated with your health system.

Key Points to Remember

  • X‑ray examinations are very common and widely available throughout Grand Rapids, MI.
  • They use a small, controlled dose of radiation to create images of bones and internal organs.
  • It is important to limit x‑rays to those that are medically necessary, especially over a lifetime.
  • The exam is quick, painless, and non-invasive, with no recovery time needed for standard x‑rays.
  • Treatment and next steps will depend on your specific condition and the results of your x‑ray examination.