X-rays (also called radiographs) are painless examinations that are used to look inside the body and distinguish between soft tissue parts and solid objects (such as bone). X-rays are commonly used to locate fractures and infections within the bone and to detect benign or potentially cancerous tumors, arthritis, blocked blood vessels, or tooth decay. X-rays can also be used to diagnose digestive tract problems or ingestion of foreign bodies. If you know what's going to happen and how to prepare for it, the screening process will go more smoothly and you'll be less nervous about it.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing for X-Rays
Step 1. Consult a doctor before undergoing the procedure
Consult your doctor before undergoing a test, especially if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, or suspect that you may be pregnant. You will be exposed to small amounts of radiation that can harm a developing fetus.
Depending on the condition, other imaging tests may be used to avoid radiation exposure
Step 2. Ask if you need to fast
Depending on the type of x-ray you're having, your doctor may ask you to fast beforehand. Fasting is usually only required for certain X-rays of the digestive tract. If you are required to fast, you are usually not allowed to eat or drink for 8-12 hours prior to the examination.
If there is a medication that you must take regularly, but you are required to fast before having an X-ray, take it with only a small sip of water
Step 3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Dress comfortably for the X-ray as you may have to remove the clothes before the examination, and/or sit and wait a long time.
- Wear loose clothing that can be removed easily, such as button-up shirts and even bras with front hooks for women.
- If you are having a chest X-ray, you will usually need to remove your shirt from the waist up. For that, you must wear hospital clothes during the examination.
Step 4. Remove all jewelry, glasses, and metal objects
It's a good idea to leave your jewelery at home as you may need to remove it before undergoing the examination. If you wear glasses, you may need to take them off as well.
Step 5. Arrive at the location earlier than the scheduled time
It's best to arrive earlier than the scheduled time in case you need to fill out additional paperwork. In addition, you may be asked to drink contrast media before the test.
- Also remember to bring a signed form from your doctor (if you have one) when you see the x-ray technician. This form serves to inform the technician about the body part to be examined and the type of X-ray examination that should be carried out.
- Don't forget to bring your insurance card.
Step 6. Empty your bladder prior to the procedure if you are going to have an X-ray of the abdomen
During the inspection, you must not move or leave the room. Try to calm down before the exam and don't drink to excess in the morning before the exam.
Step 7. Prepare to drink the contrast medium (if required)
Some x-rays require you to drink a contrast medium, which will help clarify the resulting image. Depending on the type of x-ray performed, you may be asked to:
- Drink barium or iodine solutions.
- Swallow a pill.
- Receive injections.
Step 8. Be aware that you may have to hold your breath for a few seconds during the x-ray
Holding your breath will make your heart and lungs more visible on an x-ray image. Depending on the type of x-ray, you may also need to remain still and/or move into various positions.
- The X-ray technician will position your body between the machine and the dish that produces the digital image.
- Sometimes a sand bag or pillow may be used to hold you in a certain position.
- You may be asked to move into different positions so that front and side views can be taken.
Step 9. Know that you won't feel anything during the x-ray
X-rays are a painless procedure. In this examination, X-rays will be emitted through the body and record images. Usually to examine bone, this procedure only takes a few minutes, but it may also take longer if contrast media is used.
Part 2 of 2: Understanding the Different Types of X-Rays
Step 1. Know what happens during a chest X-ray
A chest X-ray is one of the most common X-ray procedures and is used to take pictures of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels, as well as the spine and sternum. This test is usually used to diagnose problems such as:
- Shortness of breath, severe or persistent cough, and chest pain or injury.
- It can also be used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, emphysema, lung cancer, and fluid or air around the lungs.
- If your doctor recommends having a chest X-ray, no special preparation is needed. Just follow the steps mentioned above.
- A chest X-ray usually takes about 15 minutes and often requires two chest views to be taken.
Step 2. Learn what to prepare for during a bone x-ray
Bone X-rays are used to take pictures of the bones inside the body to detect fractures, joint dislocations, injuries, infections, and abnormal bone growth or changes. If you have pain from an injury, talk to your doctor about taking pain medication before having an x-ray as the technician may need to move your bones and joints during the exam.
- Bone x-rays can also be used to take pictures of cancer and other tumors, or to find foreign bodies in the soft tissue around and/or within bones.
- If your doctor orders you to have a bone X-ray, no special preparation is required. Just follow the steps mentioned above.
- A bone x-ray usually takes about five to ten minutes to complete. When undergoing a bone X-ray, a chest image that is not problematic may be taken for comparison.
Step 3. Know if you need to have an upper gastrointestinal (GI) X-ray
X-rays of the upper digestive tract can be used to diagnose injuries or problems in the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. In addition, your doctor may order you to undergo KUB, which is a regular x-ray of the abdomen.
- In this special procedure, special X-rays called fluoroscopy will be used to help visualize the internal organs in motion.
- Be prepared to drink a barium contrast solution before undergoing the test.
- In some cases, you may also need to drink baking soda crystals to further improve the clarity of the x-ray images.
- X-rays of the upper gastrointestinal tract can help diagnose symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chest and abdominal pain, acid reflux, unexplained vomiting, severe indigestion, and blood in the stool.
- This examination can be used to detect conditions such as ulcers, tumors, hernias, digestive obstruction, and inflammation.
- If your doctor asks you to have an X-ray of your upper digestive tract, you will usually need to fast for 8-12 hours before the exam.
- Also remember to empty your bladder before the exam, if possible.
- This type of X-ray takes as long as 20 minutes to complete. The exam may also make you feel bloated and you may be constipated or the color of your stool may turn gray or white for 48 to 72 hours after the procedure due to the contrast medium.
Step 4. Know what to prepare for during a lower GI X-ray
X-rays of the lower GI tract examine the large intestine, appendix, and possibly a small part of the small intestine. This type of X-ray also uses fluoroscopy and barium contrast.
- X-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract are used to diagnose symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, blood in the stool, constipation, unexplained weight loss, bleeding and abdominal pain.
- Doctors can use X-rays of the lower digestive tract to detect benign tumors, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or blockage of the colon.
- If your doctor asks you to have an X-ray of your lower digestive tract, you are required to fast after midnight and only drink clear liquids such as juice, tea, black coffee, cola, or soup stock.
- You may also need to take laxatives to clean your colon the night before the test.
- Also remember to empty your bladder before the exam, if possible.
- X-rays of the lower GI tract take about 30-60 minutes to complete. You may feel pressure in your stomach or mild cramping. After the examination, you will be given laxatives to remove the barium from your system.
Step 5. Study the X-ray details of the joint
Arteriography is a special X-ray used to diagnose conditions that affect the joints. You have two types of arteriography imaging namely indirect and direct imaging.
- Indirect arteriography requires that a contrast material be injected into the bloodstream.
- Direct arteriography requires contrast material to be injected into the joint.
- This procedure can be done to look for abnormalities, pain or discomfort in various joints in the body.
- Arteriography can also be performed using a computer tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- If your doctor asks you to have an arteriography, no special preparation is needed. Just follow the steps mentioned in the first section.
- In certain circumstances, you may need to fast, but only if you will be given a sedative.
- Arteriography usually takes about 30 minutes. You will be pricked with a needle and may feel a burning sensation if anesthesia is used to numb the joint area.
- You may also feel pressure or pain when the needle is injected into the joint.
Tips
- Ask your doctor or x-ray technician for specific instructions on what to do before, during and after the procedure.
- Talk to your child's doctor about ways to help him if he has an X-ray. Often you are allowed to be in the room with your child during the procedure.
Warning
- Tell your doctor or x-ray technician if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
- Routine X-rays are considered quite safe, but most doctors recommend waiting at least 6 months and sometimes up to a year to undergo the same X-ray examination due to radiation exposure, unless the examination needs to be done more quickly (such as the need for a repeat chest X-ray (CXR) in 1 year. -2 weeks after having pneumonia, or taking pictures again in a few weeks due to a fracture). If you have concerns about the risks of radiation exposure, be sure to discuss it with your doctor before undergoing the examination.
