What are X-rays?
X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries.
X-rays, Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP), Barium Enema, and Gastrointestinal (GI) studies all use conventional x-rays to produce images of the area of interest. For most conventional x-rays you need a written order from your doctor, and usually no appointment is necessary. IVPs, barium enemas, and GI studies require an appointment.
When the body undergoes x-rays, different parts of the body allow varying amounts of the x-ray beams to pass through. The soft tissues in the body (such as blood, skin, fat, and muscle) allow most of the x-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film. A bone or a tumor, which is more dense than the soft tissues, allows few of the x-rays to pass through and appears white on the x-ray. At a break in a bone, the x-ray beam passes through the broken area and appears as a dark line in the white bone.
How are x-rays performed?
X-rays can be performed on an outpatient basis or it may be part of the hospital patient's care.
Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place, generally, an x-ray procedure follows this process:
- The patient is positioned on an x-ray table that carefully positions the part of the body that is to be x-rayed -- between the x-ray machine and a cassette containing the x-ray film.
- Body parts not being imaged may be covered with a lead apron (shield) to avoid exposure to the x-rays.
- The x-ray beam is then focused on the area to be photographed.
- The patient must be very still or the image will be blurred.
- The technician steps behind a protective window and the
image is taken.
- Sometimes, various x-rays may have to be taken at different angles, such as the front and side view during a chest x-ray.
How to prepare for the test?
Inform the health care provider prior to the exam if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have an IUD inserted.
If abdominal studies are planned and you have had a barium contrast study (such as a barium enema, upper GI series, or barium swallow) or taken medications containing bismuth (such as Pepto Bismol) in the last four days, the test may be delayed until the contrast has fully passed.
You should remove all jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the x-ray examination since metal and certain clothing can obscure the images and require repeat studies.
How will the test feel?
There is no discomfort from x-ray exposure. Patients may be asked to stay still in awkward positions for a short period of time.
What are the risks?
During a single radiograph, a small fraction of the x-rays pass right through the body. The remaining photons are absorbed by tissues in the body. The energy of the absorbed photons can break apart (ionize) compounds, and this may cause cell damage. Most cell damage is soon repaired. However, some is permanent.
For the exposures encountered in conventional radiography, the risk of cancer or heritable defects (via damaged ovarian cells or sperm cells) is very low. Most experts feel that this low risk is largely outweighed by the benefits of information gained from appropriate imaging. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image.
Young children and a developing fetus carried by pregnant women are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays. Women should tell health care providers about suspected pregnancy.
Am I going to feel bad after I get the contrast injection,
or can I do all of my regular activities after I have the injection?
You should not feel anything from the contrast injection except a possible warm or flushed feeling as it is being injected. This sensation passes very quickly and you will be feeling normal again when the examination is finished. After the examination, you should drink plenty of fluids to help your body eliminate the contrast. Contrast administration will not result in any limitations of regular activities.
I have more questions. Who can I ask about them?
Please call The Imaging Center at (970) 282-2900. The receptionist will direct you to someone who can answer your questions.