X-ray
En Español (Spanish Version)X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body.
X-ray of Teeth
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
X-rays can be taken of any part of the body. They are especially good for looking at injuries to bones.
X-rays can also be used to:
- Find an infection
- Locate tumors
- Look for fluid in the lungs
- Locate the cause of an intestinal obstruction
- Diagnose heart and large blood vessel problems
X-ray of Intestine Using Special Dye
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Before your x-ray is taken, you may be asked to remove jewelry and put on a hospital gown.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
A lead shield may be placed on parts of your body not being x-rayed. This will help to reduce your exposure to radiation. You will be placed against a device that holds the x-ray film, or you may be asked to hold a cassette against your body.
The x-ray device will be placed over the part of your body being studied. You will be asked to remain as still as possible while the images are captured.
Once the x-ray is complete, you will be able to resume your daily activities.
A few minutes
No
The x-ray will be sent to a radiologist. A report will be sent to you and/or your doctor.
Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
American College of Radiology
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Food and Drug Administration
Canadian Association of Radiologists
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Grainger RG, et al.
Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging
. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008.
Last Reviewed December 2010