Home > Your Health > Conditions A-Z > Degenerative disc disease > X-ray

X-ray by Krisha McCoy, MS

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition | Reasons for Test | What to Expect | Results | Call Your Doctor

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.

X-rays can also be used to:

Find an infection
Locate tumors
Look for fluid in the lungs
Locate the cause of an intestinal obstruction
Diagnose 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?

A few minutes

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

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at HLEditorialTeam@ebscohost.com.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.