An X-ray is a common, noninvasive imaging test that helps doctors examine structures in your body without making any incisions. Healthcare professionals may use X-rays to evaluate bone breaks, tumors, infections, and many other conditions.
X-rays use radiation to produce images. They’re simple procedures that typically don’t require any particular preparation.
Radiation exposure may increase cancer risk, but the risk associated with X-rays is generally very low. For most people, the benefits of X-rays outweigh the risks.
X-rays produce images by sending out waves of electromagnetic radiation. The waves pass through the body and are absorbed by different parts of your body at different rates depending on how dense the body parts are.
For example, bones are very dense and absorb much of the radiation, and therefore appear white on the resulting image (radiograph). Muscles and other tissues, which are less dense, appear darker and more translucent.
Healthcare professionals can use X-rays for various purposes, including:
- examining an area where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort
- monitoring the progression of a diagnosed disease, such as osteoporosis
- checking how well a prescribed treatment is working
Conditions that may require an X-ray include:
- bone cancer
- enlarged heart
- conditions affecting your lungs
- certain digestive problems
- fractures
- infections
- osteoporosis
- arthritis
- tooth decay
- needing to retrieve swallowed items
X-rays are standard procedures that often don’t require any special preparation.
Depending on the area that your doctor and radiologist are examining, you may want to wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in and remove. They may ask you to change into a hospital gown for the test.
You’ll also need to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, or other metallic items from your body before your X-ray is taken.
Always tell your doctor or radiologist if you have metal implants from prior surgeries. These implants can block X-rays from passing through your body and may prevent a clear image.
In some cases, you may need to receive a contrast agent or dye before your X-ray. This is a substance that will help highlight certain body structures. It
Depending on the reason for the X-ray, the contrast dye may be given in different ways, including:
- via a liquid that you swallow
- injected into your body
- given to you as an enema before your test
If you’re having an X-ray to examine your gastrointestinal tract, your doctor may ask you to fast for a certain amount of time beforehand. You will need to avoid eating anything while you fast. You may also need to avoid or limit drinking certain liquids. In some cases, they may also ask you to take medications to clear out your bowels.
An X-ray technologist or radiologist can perform an X-ray in a hospital’s radiology department, a dentist’s office, or a clinic that specializes in diagnostic procedures.
Depending on the part of the body your care team is examining, you
Once you’re fully prepared, your X-ray technician or radiologist will tell you how to position your body to create clear images. They may ask you to lie down, sit, or stand in
They may take images while you stand in front of a specialized plate that contains X-ray film or sensors. In some cases, they may also ask you to lie or sit on a specialized plate and move a large camera connected to a steel arm over your body to capture X-ray images.
It’s important to
The test is finished as soon as your radiologist is satisfied with the images gathered.
X-rays are usually short procedures; for example, a chest X-ray typically only takes about 15 minutes to complete. However, the test may be longer or shorter depending on which area of the body your care team is imaging, the symptom or condition they’re evaluating, and how the images turn out.
After your X-ray images have been collected, you can change back into your regular clothes. Depending on your condition, your doctor may allow you to resume your typical activities, or they may tell you to rest while you’re waiting for your results.
Your results may be available on the same day as your procedure or later. Your doctor will review your X-rays and the report from the radiologist to determine how to proceed.
Depending on your results, they may order additional tests to develop an accurate diagnosis. For example, they may order additional imaging scans, blood tests, or other diagnostic measures. They may also prescribe a course of treatment.
Ask your doctor for more information about your specific condition, diagnosis, and treatment options.
X-rays use small amounts of radiation to create images of your body, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of DNA damage and cancer. However, the
The
Children are also more sensitive to the radiation produced by X-rays. X-ray machines can be adjusted to be safer for children, or they may need to undergo a different type of imaging test.
If you’re having an X-ray done to help diagnose or manage a painful condition, such as a broken bone, you may experience pain or discomfort during the test.
You will need to hold your body in certain positions while the images are being taken. This may cause you pain or discomfort. Your doctor may recommend taking pain medication beforehand.
If you receive a contrast material before your X-ray, it may cause side effects. These include:
- hives
- itching
- nausea
- lightheadedness
- a metallic taste in your mouth
In very rare cases, the dye
X-rays are standard imaging tests that are generally safe for most people. They can be used to evaluate, diagnose, and monitor many conditions, including bone issues, lung problems, and more.
If your doctor recommends an X-ray for a symptom or condition, ask them about preparation and possible risks based on your specific health situation.