X-ray
What is an X-ray?
One of the earliest applications used in medicine, X-rays are still widely used to produce images of the inside of the body. X-rays penetrate soft tissues, but are stopped by bones, which absorb them. When the plate, or radiograph, is developed, a negative image is produced. Bones and dense tissues show up as lighter areas, while tissues that are easily penetrated by X-rays appear dark.
CML HealthCare Clinic. X-ray room.
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X-ray FAQs
Why is an X-ray performed?
The results from this test can help your doctor better identify what may be causing a problem and the best way to treat it. The many diagnostic uses of X-rays may help your doctor to:
- check for bone fractures,
- check for certain bone and joint conditions (e.g., osteoporosis and arthritis),
- find infections in various organs (e.g., pneumonia in the lungs),
- locate tumours in various organs,
- find foreign objects that have been swallowed or have become stuck in a wound,
- check for tooth or jaw injuries or diseases,
- examine the curvature of the spine and locate spinal problems,
- check for heart, lung, or abdominal problems, and
- check the sinuses for infection.
Are there any risks or precautions with an X-ray?
This test has a very low risk of side effects and complications. A single X-ray examination results in a very low dose of radiation that is unlikely to cause a significantly increased risk of cancer. As a precaution, a technician often places a lead apron over your pelvic area to reduce exposure to X-ray radiation. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, tell your doctor or X-ray technician before the test is done. X-rays can cause damage to the developing cells of a fetus, so your doctor will decide whether to cancel the X-ray or take precautions to minimize risk to the baby (such as using a lead apron).
With some X-rays, you may need to take a dye (also called a contrast medium or contrast dye) to help make some body areas easier to see. This dye, which often contains iodine or barium, may be taken by mouth or through intravenous injection or rectal tube. If the dye is injected, you may experience pain, swelling, and/or redness in the injection area.
Try to follow the technician's instructions closely in order to get the most accurate X-ray results. Stay still if the technician asks you to. If you move, the X-ray image will not be clear.
What happens during the X-ray process?
To perform the test, the technician will ask you to remain in a specific position. You may need to sit or lie on an examination table. The technician will help keep the area of your body being tested still by using a sandbag or pillow. In many cases, you will simply be asked to remain in the set position for a short period of time, usually a few seconds.
People with an injury may experience pain or discomfort due to staying still, but this is not caused by the X-rays themselves.
How should I prepare for an X-ray?
Before having an X-ray, you need to remove any jewellery and metal objects from your body, as well as some or all of your clothing. You will be asked to put on a hospital gown. Store your personal belongings safely.
Tell the doctor or technician if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an X-ray dye.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any medication allergies and medical conditions that you may have.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you need to stop taking any of your medications before the test.
What can I expect after the X-ray?
There are no immediate effects from the X-rays themselves. If a dye was given rectally before the X-ray, you may experience mild rectal discomfort from the insertion of the rectal tube.
You may be asked to wait for a few minutes after your test so that your X-rays can be developed or viewed on a computer. This way, if additional X-rays are required, they can be taken right away and you will not have to schedule another appointment.
X-ray Results
A radiologist interprets the X-rays and sends a report to your doctor. With this information, your doctor will determine the type of treatment you need or if more tests are required.
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