X-Ray

What is an X-Ray?

An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body — particularly your bones. X-ray beams pass through your body, and they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle appear as shades of gray.

Why Would I Need an X-Ray?

X-rays are commonly used for a variety of reasons, including:

• Examining broken bones or joint dislocations
• Diagnosing pneumonia, lung cancer, or other chest conditions
• Looking for foreign objects in the body
• Detecting tooth decay and dental problems
• Monitoring the progression of certain diseases, such as osteoporosis
• Assisting with the placement of medical devices, such as pacemakers or stents
• Guiding orthopedic surgery procedures

How to Prepare for an X-Ray

X-rays require very little preparation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or moved aside.
• Remove any jewelry, eyeglasses, or metal objects from the area being X-rayed.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, as X-rays may not be recommended.
• Tell your doctor if you have any metal implants, such as artificial joints or pacemakers.
• For some types of X-rays, you may need to fast for a few hours beforehand or take a special contrast material.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the imaging facility.

What to Expect During an X-Ray

During an X-ray:

1. You'll be positioned on an examination table or standing in front of a specialized plate that contains X-ray film or sensors.
2. The technologist will position the X-ray machine over the area of your body to be examined.
3. You'll need to stay still and may be asked to hold your breath for a moment to prevent blurring of the images.
4. The technologist will step behind a protective wall or into the next room to activate the X-ray machine.
5. The procedure is painless and typically takes only a few minutes.
6. You might need to be repositioned for additional images.