X-Ray
During x-ray
imaging or radiography, a part of the body is exposed to a very small quantity
of x-rays which pass through the tissues, striking a film to create an image.
The exposed x-ray film shows body structures in relation to their density. Bone
tissue is dense and does not let much radiation through, resulting in white images
on the x-ray film. Fat has a lower density and appears gray while air in the
lungs creates a black film image.
Most
commonly, x-rays are used
to look for fractures or to examine the chest, abdomen and superficial soft
tissues. The exam process is painless, fast and uses very low doses of radiation,
making x-ray imaging a very reliable and safe diagnostic tool.
X-Ray Exam Guidelines
Preparation
- No preparation or appointment is required.
- For your convenience, print out and complete the appropriate Patient
Forms,
including Patient Registration and Patient History. Bring them with you to
your appointment.
- Please notify
the technologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
- If necessary,
you may be asked to change into a hospital gown to eliminate the chance
of any clothing material, snaps, buttons, etc., from interfering with the
image.
- You will be asked to remove any jewelry, eyeglasses
or any other metal objects.
What to Expect
During the Exam
- Allow 5 to 15 minutes for the procedure.
- You
will lie, sit or be positioned on an x-ray table by the technologist
so your body is properly aligned for imaging. You will need to
remain still and possibly hold your breath while the x-ray is
being taken.
- You
may be repositioned to obtain multiple views.
What to Expect After the Exam
- Once the images are processed and reviewed to ensure diagnostic
quality, you will be free to leave.
- Your x-rays will be interpreted
by a WIS board certified radiologist who specializes in the
specific area of the body imaged during the exam.
- Your referring
physician will receive a report detailing the
findings of your exam within 24 hours. You should contact your
doctor to discuss the results.
For more information on X-Ray exams, check out the
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) page on this modality.