X-rays are a quick, painless test that captures images of bones, joints, and soft tissues inside the body. The X-ray beams pass through the body and are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. While bones and metals appear white, fat and muscle appear in shades of grey, and air in the lungs appears in black on an X-ray.
In some tests, contrast medium such as iodine or barium are used to give greater detail of structures of body such as blood vessels. The contrast material can be in the form of pill, powder or liquid. The contrast material is given before the X-ray. Depending on the type of X-ray, the contrast material can be given:
- Orally
- Inserted in rectum (enema)
- Injected into a vein or cerebrospinal fluid
Need of X-ray
X-ray technology is used to examine the following body parts:
Chest
- Breast Cancer: Mammography is an X-ray conducted to study breast tissue
- Lung Infections or Conditions: Lung cancer, pneumonia or tuberculosis can show up in chest X-rays
- Blocked Blood Vessels: A contrast medium of iodine is injected to give a clear picture of the circulatory system
- Enlarged Heart: Signs of congestive heart failure can be seen on X-rays
Bones and Teeth
- Arthritis: X-rays can help the doctor understand arthritis and determine if it is worsening
- Osteoporosis: Special types of X-rays can help determine bone density
- Fractures and Infections: Fractures and infections in bones and teeth can be clearly seen in X-rays
- Bone cancer: X-rays reveal bone tumors
- Dental decay: Dentists can find out cavities through X-rays
Abdomen
- Swallowed Items: X-rays can locate a swallowed key, coin, or metal object
- Digestive Tract Issues: Barium, given as a drink or as an enema (given through the rectum), is a contrast medium that can help detect digestive system issues
Types of medical imaging that use a series of X-rays are as follows:
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammogram
- Bone density (DXA) scan
- CT scan (computed tomography)
Preparing for X-ray
The lab technician may give you a gown to change into. The technician can also tell you to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects since they can show up in an X-ray.
During X-ray
The lab technician asks you to sit, stand or lie down on the table. The camera is positioned near the body part whose images are to be taken. The lab technician may tell you to move your body or limbs in different positions and ask you to hold still. The lab technician could use pillows or sandbags to help you hold a certain position. The X-ray machine produces a safe level of radiation that passes through the body and records the images on a special plate. The X-ray cannot be felt. During X-rays, you may need to remain still and hold your breath. A simple X-ray takes a few minutes, while a contract medium X-ray could take some more time.
Child X-ray
Restraints and other tools may be used to take an X-ray of a child. If you attend the X-ray room with the child, you may be given a lead apron to shield yourself from X-ray exposure.
After X-ray
After a regular X-ray, you can resume daily activities. If a contrast medium is used, drink plenty of fluid so the body can expel it. If there is swelling, pain, or redness at the injection site, contact a doctor.
X-rays are saved digitally on computers and can be viewed on-screen in minutes. A radiologist makes X-ray reports that can be shown to your specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.
If you have any fractures or are experiencing severe joint pain after injury, contact Matrix Hospital for an X-ray.