When an injury or unexplained pain needs a closer look, an X-ray can help your provider determine the next step. tru Primary & Urgent Care offers convenient digital X-ray imaging at urgent care clinics across Northern Virginia and in Germantown, Maryland.

Walk in or save your spot online. Because X-ray services depend on radiologic technologist availability, call your preferred clinic before you visit.

What Is an X-Ray?

An X-ray is a quick, noninvasive imaging test that uses a small amount of ionizing radiation to produce images of structures inside the body. It is especially useful for examining bones and the chest.

X-rays do not show every type of injury or illness. Your provider will first evaluate your symptoms and determine whether an X-ray—or another type of test—is appropriate.

What Can an X-Ray Help Evaluate?

X-rays may be used to assess:

• Suspected fractures or broken bones
• Joint dislocations and alignment
• Pain or swelling following an injury
• Arthritis & chronic joint changes
• Certain foreign objects
• Chest symptoms when pneumonia or another lung condition is suspected

X-rays do not clearly show most muscles, tendons, or ligaments. For a suspected sprain or other soft-tissue injury, an X-ray may be ordered primarily to rule out a fracture.

Some conditions require ultrasound, CT, MRI, or other testing that may not be available at an urgent care clinic.

When Should You Consider an X-Ray?

Visit an urgent care provider for an evaluation if you have:

• Pain, swelling or bruising after an injury
• Difficulty moving a joint or using an injured limb
• Trouble bearing weight
• Visible deformity or concern about a broken bone
• Persistent cough, fever or other symptoms of pneumonia
• Pain that is not improving as expected

A medical evaluation is the best way to determine whether you need imaging

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 911 or go to an emergency department for:

• Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Major trauma
• A possible head, neck or spinal injury
• An open fracture or bone visible through the skin
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A cold, pale, blue or numb limb following an injury

What to Expect During an X-Ray

Your provider will begin by reviewing your symptoms and examining the affected area. If an X-ray is appropriate, a radiologic technologist will position the body part and take one or more images.

The test is usually painless and takes only a few minutes. You may need to remove jewelry, metal objects, or clothing covering the area.

Tell your provider and technologist if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. They will determine whether the test should proceed, be modified, or be replaced with another imaging option.

What Happens After Your X-Ray?

Your provider will review the available images and discuss the next steps with you. Depending on the findings, treatment may include:

• A splint, brace or other support
• Activity modifications
• Medication recommendations
• Follow-up with primary care
• Referral to an orthopedic specialist or another provider
• Additional imaging or emergency evaluation

Some images may require a radiologist’s interpretation. Further testing may also be necessary if the X-ray does not fully explain your symptoms.

Need an X-Ray Today?

Get your injury or symptoms evaluated at tru Primary & Urgent Care. Walk in or save your spot online and call ahead to confirm that X-ray services are available at your preferred clinic.

X-ray services are available only at urgent care locations and are subject to radiologic technologist availability. Clinic hours may vary.