General Diagnostic
X-rays
What are X-rays?
X-ray imaging is the oldest and most frequently used way of seeing inside the body. X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, that can be focused into a tiny beam of x-ray radiation much like a flashlight beam. Unlike a beam of light, however, x-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body.
They can produce an image when detected by X-ray sensitive film or computed radiography screen. Dense tissue in the body such as bone, absorb many of the X-rays and appears white on an X-ray image. Less dense parts of the body show up in shades of gray or black.
Who performs an X-ray?
Certified Radiologic Technologists who have received specialized training and educaiton in the areas of patient care, radiation exposure and radioation protection.
How is the X-ray performed?
Before you have an x-ray, you may have to change into a gown that does not have snaps or buttons and remove any jewelry that may interfere with the x-ray. Be sure to tell the technologist if you are or suspect that you may be pregnant. You may feel discomfort from the cool temperature in the exam room. Patients usually lie down on a special table with a drawer in it to hold x-ray film or stand in front of a box with film in it. Parts of the body not to be x-rayed are often covered with a leaded blanket that acts as a shield. The technologist will position you as needed to obtain the image the Doctor needs to see. You may be asked to hold your breath and to hold very still to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The technologist will then step behind a wall with a window and take the x-ray. Regular x-ray images are captured as quickly as taking a photograph.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A Radiologist, a physician specifically trained to analyze the images, will review them. A signed report will be sent to your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results with you.
What are the benefits vs. risks?
Because x-ray imaging is fast and easy, it is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment. No radiation remains in the body after an x-ray. X-rays usually have no side effects. The benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk of radiation exposure. Women should always tell the technologist if they are or could be pregnant.
Radiographic or X-ray Procedures:
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Skull
- Extremities
- Spine
- Pelvis
- Arthrograms to visualize the joints
- Myelograms to visualize the spine
- Upper Gastrointestinal with liquid barium for stomach imaging
- Lower Intestine with liquid barium to visualize the colon
- Intravenous Pyelogram for kidney imaging
- Voiding Cystograms for bladder imaging
- Hysterosalpingograms demonstrate the fallopian tubes
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