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Portable X-ray machine — Is an x-ray at home reliable?

Dr Pavani Battula

6 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Yes, with a portable X-ray machine, you can now get a reliable X-ray done at home. The process of getting a reliable X-ray done at home is relatively simple — a trained professional will visit the patient’s home with a portable, hand-held X-ray machine and perform the necessary imaging, eliminating the need for the patient to travel to a medical facility.

This procedure has many potential benefits, especially for patients who have mobility issues, are unable to leave their homes or live in remote areas far from medical facilities. Let’s now understand what this portable machine is and what its scope is, then we’ll discuss some advantages and disadvantages. Stay tuned!

Table of contents

What are portable X-ray machines?
What do they help diagnose?
What do they not diagnose?
Portable x-ray vs. fixed x-ray machines
Are x-rays at home reliable?
Are portable x rays accurate?
Are portable x-ray machines safe?
What are the disadvantages of portable x-ray machines?
- The limited scope of imaging
- Radiation exposure
- Risk of damage
- Lower image quality
How to book an X-ray at home?
When will I get my test results?
Book Our Diagnostic Imaging Centers for an MRI and CT Scan
Conclusion

What are portable X-ray machines?

Portable X-ray machines are medical imaging devices that can be moved from one location to another, allowing medical professionals to perform X-ray exams on patients who cannot be easily transported to an imaging centre or hospital.

These machines are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to move and set up in different locations, such as a patient’s bedside in a hospital or in a remote clinic. Portable X-ray machines use the same technology as traditional X-ray machines but are designed to be more mobile, making them useful in emergency situations or in rural areas where access to medical facilities is limited.

What do they help diagnose?

Portable X-ray machines are widely used in various medical settings, from hospitals to homes to small clinics, due to their ease of use and convenience. These machines are particularly useful for basic imaging needs, allowing healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions such as

Bone fractures
Arthritis
Pneumonia
Dental decay, and
Joint damage or inflammation, among others

In short, they are useful in imaging hard tissues like bones and not soft tissues like the heart, lungs or other internal organs.

What do they not diagnose?

Portable x-ray machines are designed for convenience, as they are easy to transport and use. However, it is important to note that they have limitations when it comes to diagnosing certain medical conditions. While they can provide X-ray images, they are not a substitute for more advanced imaging x-rays technologies such as CT scans, MRIs, or DEXA scans, which are specifically designed to diagnose certain medical conditions.

In other words, while portable X-ray machines can be useful for basic imaging needs, they are not capable of providing the level of detail required for certain diagnoses, such as

Pinpointing the location of tumours or blood clots
Guiding surgical procedures or biopsies
Detect heart diseases, strokes, or cancer
Detect internal injuries or bleeding
Disorders of the eye and inner ear
Multiple sclerosis
Brain haemorrhage
Measuring bone density, etc

For a more clear understanding of the types of x-rays and what they do, read this article on different types of x-ray procedures: CT scans, MRIs, Fluoroscopy, Mammography, Dexa scan, and more.

Portable x-ray vs. fixed x-ray machines

Portable X-ray machines and fixed X-ray machines are both used for diagnostic imaging, but they differ in several important ways.

Parameters	Portable X-ray machines	Fixed X-rays machines
Image quality	Although portable X-ray machines can produce clear images, they generally do not provide the same level of precision and detail as fixed X-ray machines. This is because fixed X-ray machines are typically more powerful and equipped with advanced features, such as higher image resolution, specialized imaging accessories, and advanced image processing software. As a result, portable X-ray machines are generally best suited for basic imaging needs, such as diagnosing fractures	Images produced by fixed X-ray machines, such as CT scans and MRIs, generally provide higher levels of precision and detail than portable X-ray machines. This is because these machines use advanced imaging techniques, such as cross-sectional imaging, that allow for more detailed visualization of internal organs and structures. As a result, these machines are best suited for complex imaging needs, such as for example detecting blockages in the heart and blood vessels.
Portability and ease of use	Designed to be mobile, lightweight, and easy to move from one location to another	They are large, immobile machines that are permanently installed in a radiology department or imaging centre
Imaging technology used	Portable X-ray machines typically use digital imaging technology, which allows for the images to be viewed immediately on a computer screen.	Fixed X-ray machines often use film-based imaging technology, which may or may not require additional processing time before the images can be viewed.
Radiation exposure	They have a lower dose of radiation exposure	Comparatively safe but higher doses of radiation exposure
Power source	They are both AC (electricity) or DC (battery-operated machines	Requires electricity (AC) to work

In summary, while portable X-ray machines are convenient and useful for basic imaging needs, fixed X-ray machines are necessary for more complex diagnostic imaging procedures that require higher precision and detail. Both types of machines have their unique advantages and limitations, and the appropriate choice depends on the specific imaging needs of the patient.

Are x-rays at home reliable?

Is it possible to do an X ray at home?

X-rays taken at home can be reliable if they are prescribed by a doctor and are intended for basic imaging needs. However, it’s important to note that not all medical conditions can be diagnosed through X-ray imaging alone, and more complex diagnostic procedures may require specialized equipment that is not available in a home setting.

In general, home X-rays can be useful in situations where it is difficult or inconvenient to transport the patient to a radiology department or imaging center. They can also be helpful for monitoring the progress of certain medical conditions, such as the healing of a broken bone.

However, before deciding to use a home X-ray machine, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if X-ray imaging is appropriate for your specific medical condition and if a home-based approach is feasible and safe.

Are portable x rays accurate?

The accuracy of the portable X-ray machine depends on several factors, such as the quality of the X-ray machine used, the skill and experience of the person operating the machine, and the accuracy of the interpretation of the X-ray images by a qualified healthcare provider.

Are portable x-ray machines safe?

Portable X-ray machines typically have a tube current of 15 to 100 mA (milliampere)*, which means that they produce less current and, as a result, less ionizing radiation** compared to larger X-ray machines like CT scans or MRI machines. These larger machines typically have a tube current in the range of 300 to 500 mA.

So yes, portable x-ray machines are generally considered safe to use.

What are the disadvantages of portable x-ray machines?

The disadvantages of portable X-ray machines are more for the operator rather than for the patient. Here are some disadvantages:

Limited scope of imaging

Portable X-ray machines are typically smaller and less powerful than fixed X-ray machines, which can limit their usefulness for certain types of imaging studies. They may only be able to take pictures of certain body parts, such as the hands, legs, pelvis, and chest of patients.

Radiation exposure

While the amount of radiation generated from portable X-ray machines is generally low, repeated exposure for the operator can increase the risk of radiation exposure in the long run.

Risk of damage

Benefits of portable x ray machines

Portable X-ray machines are often expensive and delicate pieces of equipment, so there is a risk of damage if they are dropped or mishandled.

Lower image quality

Portable X-ray machines have a lower mA capacity, resulting in images that are less precise and detailed than those produced by fixed machines.

Overall, while portable X-ray machines offer many advantages, including mobility and convenience,but they may not be suitable for all imaging needs and require careful handling to avoid damage and exposure to radiation.

How to book an X-ray at home?

You can now get an X-ray done from the comfort of your home. To book

Download the MFine app
Register using your mobile number
On the top right-hand corner, click on the “X-ray, MRIs & scans” icon
On the search bar, type in “at home X-ray” to get started

For now the services are available only in Bangalore. We’ll be able to cover more cities in the future. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you all posted.

Pincodes covered in Bangalore

Location	Pincodes
Rajajinagar	560010
Malleswaram East	560003
Vijayanagar	560040
Jalahalli	560013
Peenya	560058
Hosahalli	561203
Hebbal	560024
Indiranagar	560038
Domlur	560071
Manyata	560045

Book Now!

When will I get my test results?

You’d get digital images in a minute and reports within one hour.

Book Our Diagnostic Imaging Centers for an MRI and CT Scan

We also offer reliable imaging services with modern equipment, experienced technicians, and board-certified radiologists.

Get up to 50% off on X-rays, MRIs, and other scans with same-day slots available. Quick access to reports and films within 12 hours and 15-20 minutes, respectively.

Book your scans and X-rays now!

Conclusion

To conclude, at-home X-ray services are an innovative and convenient solution for patients who require medical imaging but cannot or do not want to leave their homes. This technology can benefit patients with mobility issues, those who live in remote areas, and those who want to avoid exposure to infectious diseases. Although at-home X-ray services are not suitable for all patients or covered by all insurance providers, they represent an important advancement in at-home medical testing. As technology continues to evolve, we may see further developments in at-home medical testing, providing patients with more options for receiving necessary medical care.