General X-RAY (Radiography)

GENERAL X-RAY (RADIOGRAPHY)

X-ray uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It is used to help diagnose and monitor treatment for a variety of conditions. X-rays are usually fast and easy and are particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment.

This exam requires little to no special preparation. Tell your doctor and the technologist if there is a possibility you are pregnant. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown.

WHAT IS AN X- RAY?

An x-ray (radiograph) is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x- rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON USES OF THE PROCEDURE?

• Chest
• Abdomen
• Pelvis
• Spine
• Skull
• Extremities

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

You will be asked to remove some of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.

Women should always inform their physician and x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation. If an x-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.

WHAT DOES THE EQUIPMENT LOOK LIKE?

The equipment typically used for x-rays can be wall or floor mounted, box-like apparatus containing the x-ray film, or a special plate that records the image digitally. An x-ray producing tube is positioned about six feet away.

The equipment may also be arranged with the x-ray tube suspended over a table on which the patient lies.

A drawer under the table holds the x-ray film or digital recording plate.

A portable x-ray machine is a compact apparatus that can be taken to the patient in a hospital bed or the emergency room. The x-ray tube is connected to a flexible arm that is extended over the patient while an x-ray film holder or image recording plate is placed beneath the patient.

HOW DOES THE PROCDURE WORK?

X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special detector.

Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation while soft tissue, such as muscle, fat and organs, allow more of the x-rays to pass through them.

As a result, bones appear white on the x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of grey and air appears black.

Most x-ray images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images are easily accessible for diagnosis and disease management.

You must hold very still and may be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine.

WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING AND AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

An x-ray examination itself is a painless procedure.

You may experience discomfort from the cool temperature in the examination room and the coldness of the recording plate. Individuals with arthritis or injuries to the chest wall, shoulders or arms may have discomfort trying to stay still during the examination. The technologist will assist you in finding the most comfortable position possible that still ensures diagnostic image quality.

WHO INTERPRETS THE RESULT AND HOW DO I GET THEM?

A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS VS. RISKS?

BENEFITS

• No radiation remains in a patient's body after an x-ray examination
• X-rays usually have no side effects in the typical diagnostic range for this exam
• X-ray equipment is relatively inexpensive and widely available in emergency rooms, physician offices, ambulatory care centers, nursing homes and other locations, making it convenient for both patients and physicians
• Because x-ray imaging is fast and easy, it is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment.

RISKS

• There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk
• Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant

A WORD ABOUT MINIMIZING RADIATION EXPOSURE

Special care is taken during x-ray examinations to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection organizations continually review and update the technique standards used by radiology professionals.

Modern x-ray systems have very controlled x-ray beams and dose control methods to minimize stray (scatter) radiation. This ensures that those parts of a patient's body not being imaged receive minimal radiation exposure.