What is an x-ray?

An x-ray makes use of radiation to create a photograph of the inside of the body. The x-ray beam is absorbed differently by different parts of the body, such as bones and soft tissues, and this is used to create the image. X-ray is also known as radiography.

Types of X-ray

There are various kinds of x-ray:

Plain radiography, or plain x-ray
Computed tomography, or CT scanning
Fluoroscopy — which produces moving images
Mammography — when an x-ray of the breasts is done
Angiography — when an x-ray of the blood vessels is done

When is an X-ray done?

X-rays can be used to diagnose disorders and injury, including:

Bone conditions — such as fractures, dislocations, bone infections or arthritis etc.
Chest conditions — such as pneumonia, collapsed lung or coronary heart failure etc.
Cancer
Blockages of the bowel
Detection of foreign objects

How is an X-ray done?

X-ray is painless and commonly takes much less than 15 minutes. It can be finished in a health facility or radiodiagnostic center.

During the process you’ll be requested to lie, sit down or stand, depending on the part of the body being x-rayed. It is necessary now not to cross throughout the x-ray. A radiologist will then check the images and send the results to your doctor.

What is contrast dye in X-ray?

Contrast dye is a substance that is often used throughout simple x-ray, CT scanning, angiography or other tests. It helps to improve the contrast in x-ray images, making them less difficult to read. It may additionally be given to you orally or with the aid of injection.

Commonly used dyes are iodine-containing contrast medium and gadolinium contrast medium.

Patients with kidney problems face increased risks when having contrast medium than common people. If you have kidney issues and want an x-ray with contrast medium, discuss to your medical doctor first.

Some people may be allergic to contrast dye. Most people who have allergic reactions have moderate ones, although a severe allergic reaction is also possible.

Are there risks of X-rays?

Yes. an x-ray uses a small quantity of radiation to create an image of the tissue it is projected upon. Some kinds of x-ray, such as CT scanning and angiography, use greater doses of radiation than common x-rays.

Small quantity of radiation may create chances of developing cancer some years later.However, there is also the danger that comes from no diagnosis of a health condition.On the whole, it is sensible to have x-rays that are necessary.

X-rays and pregnancy

In pregnant ladies, x-rays exposes foetus to a very small amounts of radiation. The dose used is generally so low that it is no longer a concern, on the other hand it is nice to avoid exposing the mother’s abdomen to any radiation if possible.

How does the patient prepare for an X-ray?

Preparing for an x-ray is simple:
You need to bring the referral document given by your doctor.
Bring alongside any x-rays you’ve had earlier than of similar areas.
Tell the radiographer if you may be pregnant.
Tell the radiographer if you have kidney problems or have allergies to contrast dye.
Be prepared to get rid of your jewelry and wear a hospital robe if needed.
Follow any directions given to you by your medical doctor or radiographer.

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