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X-ray by Krisha McCoy, MS

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition | Reasons for Test | Possible Complications | What to Expect | 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
Look for problems in the abdomen
Diagnose heart and large blood vessel problems

Possible Complications

An x-ray uses radiation to make images. The low levels of radiation from a single x-ray will not effect most people. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant talk to your doctor before the x-ray. Radiation may be harmful to developing babies.

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 that are not being x-rayed. This will help reduce your exposure to radiation.

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 taken. The x-ray device will send x-rays through your body. The x-rays will be captured on the other side of your body by a computer or on film.

After Test

You will be able to resume your daily activities after the x-ray is complete.

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 an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American College of Radiology http://www.radiologyinfo.org
Radiation-Emitting Products Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/default.htm

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Radiologists http://www.car.ca
Canadian Institute for Health Information http://www.cihi.ca

References:

Grainger RG, et al. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008.
Patient safety: radiation dose. Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/index.cfm?pg=sfty_xray&bhcp=1 . Updated April 25, 2012. Accessed November 19, 2012.

Last reviewed November 2012 by Brian Randall, MD

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