1. What is an
X-RAY?
2. What do I need
to do to prepare for an x-ray?
3. What should I
expect during the procedure?
4. What should I
expect after the exam?
What is an X-RAY?
General Radiography
or X-RAY is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and
assess broken bones, joint or spinal injuries. X-RAY is performed
everyday in hospital emergency rooms, diagnostic centers, sports
medicine centers and some physician offices. It uses a controlled beam
of energy to produce remarkably clear images of the body on either film
or a computer.
Common
Applications:
Among many uses , general radiography exams are frequently used to
evaluate:
-
Broken Bones
-
Foreign body location
-
Bone Structure
-
Pneumonia or other lung ailments
-
Skeletal bone health
-
Joint space narrowing
What do I need to do to prepare for
an x-ray?
Please let the
technologist know if you are pregnant.
What should I expect during the
procedure?
Generally, x-ray
exams take 10-30 minutes depending on the type and number of procedures
your doctor has ordered. You may be asked to change into a gown if the
clothing you have on has zippers, buttons or metal snaps that may
prevent the technologist from obtaining a clear image. The technologist
may also ask you to remove jewelry for the same reason.
What should I expect after the exam?
There are no
restrictions following an x-ray and you can return to normal activity
immediately following your exam.
