by Krisha McCoy, MS
En Espaol (Spanish Version) An x-ray is a common medical test that involves taking photograph-like images of the inside of the body. X-rays use a small dose of electromagnetic radiation to create the picture. Soft body tissues appear dark and bones appear light or white on the x-ray film.
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
X-rays can be used on different parts of the body, depending on what is being diagnosed.
Chest x-rays can be used for:
- Pneumonia diagnosis
- Locating tumors
- Locating infection
- Looking for fluid
- Diagnosing heart and large blood vessel problems
- Presurgical screening
Abdominal x-rays can be used for:
- Determining the cause of acute abdominal pain
- Locating swallowed objects or other foreign bodies
- Locating the cause of an intestinal obstruction
- Diagnosing a perforation of the digestive tract
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Other forms of x-rays can be used to diagnose:
- Spinal problems
- Joint damage
- Bone problems
- Cardiovascular problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Respiratory problems
- CancerProblems with various organs
- Dental problems
- Sinus infections
- Brain problems
- Urinary problems
- PregnancyTell your doctor if you are pregnant before you get an x-ray.
Depending on the reason for the x-ray, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and other diagnostic tests before your x-ray. X-rays are usually done in a hospital or outpatient clinic. Follow your doctor's instructions as to what to do before your x-ray. For instance, you may be advised to avoid using deodorants, lotions, or powders before taking the x-ray, since these substances can interfere with the image.
Before your x-ray is taken, you may be instructed to remove jewelry and put on a hospital gown. If your x-ray is being used to examine soft tissues (eg, organs or veins), you may be asked to ingest a contrast medium (eg, barium) before the x-ray, usually done after an overnight fast. AnesthesiaNone Description of the ProcedureYou will be positioned against a device that holds the x-ray film, or you may be asked to hold a portable cassette against the area of your body to be x-rayed. Other parts of your body may be covered with a lead shield to reduce your exposure to radiation.An x-ray technician will align the x-ray device over the part of your body being studied. The technician will leave the room and you will be asked to remain as still as possible while the images are being captured. After ProcedureThe x-ray will be sent to a radiologist who will analyze it and report the results back to you and/or your primary physician. How Long Will It Take? A few minutes (eg, chest x-ray ) to over an hour (eg, barium swallow). Will It Hurt?No Possible ComplicationsX-rays are generally very safe procedures. The risk of any damage to your bodily tissues is extremely low during an x-ray, since the amount of radiation used in most x-rays is very small. However, if you are pregnant or it is possible that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before getting an x-ray. Since there is a small risk of pregnancy complications associated with x-rays, your doctor may decide it is best to wait until you are not pregnant to perform the x-ray.
Average Hospital StayNone. You will be able to go home after the x-ray. Postoperative CareIf you ingested a contrast medium, you will be instructed to drink extra fluids so you will excrete the medium quickly. OutcomeOnce the x-ray is complete, you will be able to resume your daily activities. Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following OccursThere are no reported complications after this procedure. RESOURCES: American College of Radiologyhttp://www.radiologyinfo.org Center for Devices and Radiological HealthFood and Drug Administrationhttp://www.fda.gov/cdrh CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Association of Radiologistshttp://www.car.ca Canadian Institute for Health Informationhttp://www.cihi.ca References: Safety: radiation exposure in x-ray examinations. Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/index.cfm?pg=sfty_xray&bhcp=1. Accessed April 19, 2007. X-rays. Complete Medical Encyclopedia. American Medical Association; 2003. Last reviewed May 2008 by David Juan, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
