What Is An X-Ray?

X-ray is a type of Diagnostic Radiography. An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps Physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. X-rays are quick and painless and produce images of the structures inside your body — particularly your bones. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

X-ray beams can pass through your body, but they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle appear as varying shades of gray.

Common Uses of X-Ray

  • Diagnosis of

    • pneumonia

    • heart failure

    • lung tumors

    • fractured bones

    • joint dislocation

    • bone tumors

  • Search for causes of abdominal pain

  • Post-operative evaluation

  • Demonstrate proper alignment and stabilization of bony fragments following treatment of a fracture.

  • Guide orthopedic surgery, such as spine repair/fusion, joint replacement and fracture reductions.

  • Look for injury, infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths and bony changes seen in metabolic conditions.

  • Assist in the detection and diagnosis of bone cancer.

  • Locate foreign objects in soft tissues around or in bones.

Radiation Exposure & Your Safety

As with other medical procedures, x-rays are safe when used with care. Our Radiologic Physicians and Technologists are trained to use the minimum amount of radiation necessary to obtain the needed results. The amount of radiation used in most examinations is very small and the benefits greatly outweigh the risk of harm.

However, if you’re pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before having an X-ray. Though the risk of most diagnostic X-rays to an unborn baby is small, your doctor may consider another imaging test, such as ultrasound.

Preparing For X-Ray Procedure

Most bone x-rays require no special preparation.

  • You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes.

  • You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam.

  • You may be asked to remove:

    • jewelry

    • removable dental appliances

    • eyeglasses

    • any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with x-ray images

Pregnant Patients

Please notify the Radiologic Physician and/or Technologist if there is a possibility you are pregnant.  Radiation is potentially harmful to a developing baby during pregnancy.