Your Health - X-ray

X-ray

by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body.

X-ray of Teeth

Reasons for Test

X-rays can be taken of any part of the body. They are especially good for looking at injuries to bones.

Some other things X-rays can be used for include:

Finding an infection
Locating tumors
Looking for fluid in the lungs
Locating the cause of an intestinal obstruction
Diagnosing heart and large blood vessel problems

X-ray of Intestine Using Special Dye

What to Expect

Prior to Test

Before your x-ray is taken, you may be asked to remove jewelry and put on a hospital gown.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Description of Test

A lead shield may be placed on parts of your body not being x-rayed. This will help to reduce your exposure to radiation. You will be placed against a device that holds the x-ray film, or you may be asked to hold a cassette against your body.

The x-ray device will be placed over the part of your body being studied. You will be asked to remain as still as possible while the images are captured.

After Test

Once the x-ray is complete, you will be able to resume your daily activities.

How Long Will It Take?

Usually the process will take a few minutes if you are having x-rays.

Will It Hurt?

Results

The x-ray will be sent to a radiologist. A report will be sent to you and/or your doctor.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

In case of emergency, call 911.

RESOURCES:

American College of Radiology
http://www.radiologyinfo.org

Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Radiologists
http://www.car.ca

Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://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 October 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD and Brian P. Randall, MD

Please 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.