X-rays may seem dangerous, especially for your kids, but AFC keeps the process safe & stress-free. If you need an X-ray, stop by our clinic. 

When you’re responsible for the health and happiness of children, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Between planning family-friendly adventures out of Masterpiece Escape and trips to Union West Regional Library, there’s always something going on. But when your child takes a tumble or complains of pain, it’s natural to worry – especially if you’re unsure whether they might need an X-ray. 

At AFC Urgent Care, we understand that being a parent means making tough decisions. That’s why we’re more than just a walk-in clinic, we’re your neighborhood health care partner. Our team offers on-site digital X-rays seven days a week, so you can get fast, safe answers when your child gets hurt. 

Visit AFC Indian Trail today! 

What Is an X-ray? 

Invented back in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, X-rays have become one of the most important diagnostic tools in modern medicine. An X-ray uses a very small dose of radiation to create detailed images of bones, joints and certain soft tissues (organs) inside the body. 

The process is quick and painless – your child won’t feel a thing. The machine sends a controlled beam through the body, and a digital detector captures the image. These images help providers identify fractures, dislocations or infections that may not be visible on the surface. 

Are X-rays Dangerous? 

Understandably, many parents worry about radiation exposure. The good news? X-rays are considered very safe, especially when performed under professional supervision. 

To give you perspective, the amount of radiation from an X-ray is comparable to what we naturally experience in daily life: 

• A chest X-ray = roughly 10 days of background radiation. 
• A dental X-ray = about 1 day of background radiation. 

So, while X-rays do use radiation, the exposure is extremely low. At AFC Indian Trail, we always use the lowest dose possible to get clear results, and we follow the ALARA principle – “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” 

If you’re pregnant or your child has had multiple X-rays recently, it’s always smart to let our providers know so we can determine the safest approach. 

Can My Child Safely Get an X-ray? 

Absolutely. X-rays are often an essential part of diagnosing and treating childhood injuries or illnesses. When a provider believes it’s necessary, rest assured that it’s both safe and beneficial for your child. 

Our providers are trained to follow pediatric imaging safety standards. That means we carefully adjust every X-ray based on the size of the patient – not just their age – so that each child gets the minimum amount of radiation needed for a high-quality image. 

Tips for parents: 

• Keep a record of your child’s X-rays. It helps your health care team avoid unnecessary repeats. 
• Ask questions, we’re here to help you understand how the X-ray will guide your child’s care. 
• Confirm safety standards, we use digital X-rays, which require lower radiation doses than traditional film methods. 

Digital X-rays at AFC Urgent Care 

Our state-of-the-art facility uses digital X-ray technology, allowing us to capture and view images almost instantly; no film or long wait times required. 

The benefits of digital X-rays include: 

• Lower radiation exposure (80% less radiation needed). 
• Sharper, clearer images (and the ability to magnify issues without degrading the quality of the image). 
• Faster results (no waiting for film to develop). 
• Environmentally friendly (no harmful chemicals are needed to produce digital X-rays). 

With on-site imaging, we can help diagnose fractures, sprains, pneumonia and more – all during your child’s same-day visit. 

Common Pediatric Injuries That May Need X-rays 

Kids are active, and sometimes fearless. Whether they’re playing lacrosse, riding bikes around the neighborhood or jumping on the trampoline with friends, accidents happen. 

Here are a few signs your child may need an X-ray: 

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest, ice or over-the-counter pain relief. 
• Visible deformity, this could be a limb that looks crooked or out of place. 
• Inability to bear weight on an injured foot, ankle or leg. 
• Persistent swelling or bruising that doesn’t go away after a few days. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, an X-ray can help identify the problem and guide proper treatment, often preventing long-term issues. 

We Can Meet Your Pediatric X-ray Needs 

At AFC Indian Trail, your child’s health and comfort come first. Our experienced medical team follows the strictest safety protocols, using the most advanced technology to ensure every X-ray is as safe, quick and accurate as possible. 

We’re open seven days a week with extended hours, and you never need an appointment. So if your child is in pain, don’t wait and wonder; visit our clinic for compassionate care you can count on.