What is an X-ray?

X-rays are images that use small amounts of ionizing radiation to create images of the inside of the body called X-rays.

Why are x-rays taken?

X-rays help doctors diagnose:

• broken bones
• dislocated joint
• arthritis
• stomach pain in some cases
• cancer
• cavity

Doctors can also use X-rays to find things that have been swallowed by a child or adult. X-rays may be used to check your lungs for signs of pneumonia or tuberculosis and to determine why you are short of breath or check for heart failure.

Other ways your doctor may use special X-ray procedures include:

Mammography: An examination in which the breast is placed between a support plate and a second plate called a paddle and a series of X-rays are taken. The doctor examines the images closely to look for signs of cancer or other problems.

Computed tomography (CT) scan: A computer combines a series of X-rays from different angles to create a 3D image and give the doctor a detailed picture.

Fluoroscopy: Sometimes called 'film X-rays,' this procedure sends a continuous beam of X-rays through a part of the body so the doctor can see that area and the body's movement. This is usually done to visualize bones, muscles, joints, and organs such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs.

What happens during X-rays?

Most x-rays do not require any special training. Your doctor may ask you to remove any jewelry, glasses, metal objects, or clothing that may interfere with the image.

Your doctor may take pictures while you are standing or lying down. It depends on the part of the body examined. An x-ray tube is hanging on the table. The film is in a drawer under the table.

This device sends a beam of radiation into the body. Hard, dense bones block this light, appearing white on the film below. The beam also passes through soft tissues such as muscle and fat, which appear gray on x-rays. Air in the lungs appears black in the image.

You may not feel anything during the X-ray, but it may be difficult to sit still and the examination table may be uncomfortable. Technicians can take photos from multiple angles. You can use a pillow or sandbag to elevate parts of your body to get a better view of your surroundings. You will be asked to hold your breath so that the image is not blurred.

Sometimes doctors need more contrast in the image to see what's going on. They may give you a contrast agent such as barium or iodine. You either swallow it or take it as an injection. The device clicks and buzzes as it takes the x-ray. This process can take up to a few minutes for bone x-rays and an hour or more for more complex issues. X-ray results

A radiologist will look at X-rays. A radiologist is a doctor specially trained to read and understand the results of scans, such as X-rays. Because X-ray images are digital, radiologists can view the images on a screen within minutes of an emergency. If it is not an emergency, it may take up to a day to review the x-ray and contact you with the results.

What does the x-ray not show?

X-rays are useful to check for broken bones or decayed teeth, but other imaging tests are better if there are problems with the body's soft tissues, such as the kidneys, intestines, or brain.

Your doctor may order an MRI instead of X-rays to diagnose injuries such as a torn knee ligament or shoulder rotator cuff. MRI can also show small bone fractures or bruises that may not be visible on x-rays and is often used to diagnose a fractured hip. MRI is a good tool to look at spinal cord injuries because doctors can see both the spine and the bones of the spinal cord. Your doctor may also order a CT scan. CT scans may also be used in emergency rooms to diagnose problems such as head trauma, kidney stones, or the cause of abdominal pain, or to diagnose a blood clot in the lungs called a pulmonary embolism.