An x-ray enables medical professionals to produce images of the
inside of the human body. This diagnostic test may enable a doctor to
diagnose a broken bone or to determine issues or problems with organs
inside the body.
An x-ray utilizes radiation at low frequencies, which pass through the body. As these frequencies enter and pass through the human body, photons absorb, which then produce the diagnostic pictures. Different areas of the body will produce lighter or darker areas on an x-ray. Bones and other dense materials inside the body will appear as white areas. Organs and other soft materials will appear as dark areas. If it is necessary to improve the quality of the contrast between light and dark areas of the image, a physician may inject contrast dye prior to the test. The dye may have side effects, which include itching, hives, nausea and lightheadedness.
A doctor may prescribe this imaging procedure if a patient is experiencing unexplained pain. These kinds of procedures can also help determine how quickly an illness is progressing as well as whether or not an illness is responding to treatment. Common ailments that involve an x-ray include lung issues (pneumonia or bronchitis), bone fractures, arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, and digestive problems.
Because this test involves a small amount of radiation, it also has some risks. The amount of radiation involved is generally safe for adult and child patients. However, a developing fetus should not receive an x-ray, so this imaging during pregnancy is generally not recommended. An alternative test that does not involve radiation might be an MRI.
Prior to having this test, a patient may need to change into a hospital gown and remove jewelry. Metal in jewelry could block the radiation from passing through the body. The radiologist will place the patient in the proper position for taking the photograph, which could involve standing, lying down, or sitting in a specific way. The radiologist may cover other parts of the patient's body with a special apron that will prevent radiation from passing through to the patient. Sometimes the radiologist will instruct the patient to take a deep breath and hold it during the procedure to ensure a clear picture. It's important for the patient to stay completely still while images are being taken to ensure that clear pictures result. The radiologist steps out of the room to operate the machine, which protects the radiologist from radiation. Taking the photograph is painless, much like any picture-taking process, and the equipment can either stay in one place during the procedure or it may move along the patient's body. The entire process usually only takes a couple of seconds.
After the procedure, the patient can get dressed, and the radiologist will deliver the images to the physician. The physician will usually receive and analyze the images and radiologist report within a short time, which enables the physician to deliver a diagnosis to the patient quickly, often leading to faster treatment options. The physician may show the photographs to the patient, also.
An x-ray utilizes radiation at low frequencies, which pass through the body. As these frequencies enter and pass through the human body, photons absorb, which then produce the diagnostic pictures. Different areas of the body will produce lighter or darker areas on an x-ray. Bones and other dense materials inside the body will appear as white areas. Organs and other soft materials will appear as dark areas. If it is necessary to improve the quality of the contrast between light and dark areas of the image, a physician may inject contrast dye prior to the test. The dye may have side effects, which include itching, hives, nausea and lightheadedness.
A doctor may prescribe this imaging procedure if a patient is experiencing unexplained pain. These kinds of procedures can also help determine how quickly an illness is progressing as well as whether or not an illness is responding to treatment. Common ailments that involve an x-ray include lung issues (pneumonia or bronchitis), bone fractures, arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, and digestive problems.
Because this test involves a small amount of radiation, it also has some risks. The amount of radiation involved is generally safe for adult and child patients. However, a developing fetus should not receive an x-ray, so this imaging during pregnancy is generally not recommended. An alternative test that does not involve radiation might be an MRI.
Prior to having this test, a patient may need to change into a hospital gown and remove jewelry. Metal in jewelry could block the radiation from passing through the body. The radiologist will place the patient in the proper position for taking the photograph, which could involve standing, lying down, or sitting in a specific way. The radiologist may cover other parts of the patient's body with a special apron that will prevent radiation from passing through to the patient. Sometimes the radiologist will instruct the patient to take a deep breath and hold it during the procedure to ensure a clear picture. It's important for the patient to stay completely still while images are being taken to ensure that clear pictures result. The radiologist steps out of the room to operate the machine, which protects the radiologist from radiation. Taking the photograph is painless, much like any picture-taking process, and the equipment can either stay in one place during the procedure or it may move along the patient's body. The entire process usually only takes a couple of seconds.
After the procedure, the patient can get dressed, and the radiologist will deliver the images to the physician. The physician will usually receive and analyze the images and radiologist report within a short time, which enables the physician to deliver a diagnosis to the patient quickly, often leading to faster treatment options. The physician may show the photographs to the patient, also.
