X-Ray
Overview
An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body — particularly your bones.
X-ray beams pass through your body, and they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle appear as shades of gray.
For some types of X-ray tests, a contrast medium — such as iodine or barium — is introduced into your body to provide greater
detail on the images.
Why it’s done?
X-ray technology is used to examine many parts of the body.
Bones and teeth
• Fractures and infections.
In most cases, fractures and infectionsin bones and teeth show up clearlyon X-rays.
Dentists use X-rays to check for cavities in your teeth.
X-rays can reveal bone tumors.
X-rays of your joints can reveal evidence of arthritis. X-rays taken over the years can help your doctor determine if your arthritis is worsening.
Special types of X-ray tests can measure your bone density.
Chest
Evidence of pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer can show up on chest X-rays.
• Enlarged heart
This sign of congestive heart failure shows up clearly on X-rays
• Breast cancer
Mammography is a special type of X-ray test used to examine breast tissue
• Blocked blood vessels
Injecting a contrast material that contains iodine can help highlight sections of your circulatory system to make them visible on X-rays.
Abdomen
• Digestive tract problems.
Barium, a contrast medium delivered in a drink or an enema, can help reveal problems in your digestive system
• Swallowed items
If your child has swallowed something such as a key or a coin, an X-ray can show the location of that object.
Risks
Radiation exposure
Some people worry that X-rays aren’t safe because radiation exposure can cause cell mutations that may lead to cancer. The amount of radiation you’re exposed to during an X-ray depends on the tissue or organ being examined. Sensitivity to the radiation depends on your age, with children being more sensitive than adults.
Generally, however, radiation exposure from an X-ray is low, and the benefits from these tests far outweigh the risks.
However, if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before having an X-ray. Though the risk of most diagnostic X-rays to an unborn baby is small, your doctor may consider another imaging test, such as ultrasound.
Results
X-rays are saved digitally on computers, which can be viewed on-screen within minutes. A radiologist typically views and interprets the results and sends a report to your doctor, who then explains the results to you. In an emergency, your X-ray results can be made available to your doctor in minutes.
