X-ray

X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body. Bone imaging helps doctors:

Find an infection, especially pneumonia
Look for evidence of arthritis
Evaluate bone health
Diagnose fractures
Diagnose heart and large blood vessel problems
Look for fluid in the lungs
Look for problems in the abdomen
Find tumors

An X-ray uses radiation to make images. The low levels of radiation from a single X-ray will not affect most people. A lead shield may be placed on parts of your body that are not being X-rayed. This will help reduce your exposure to radiation.If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, then talk to your doctor before the X-ray. Radiation may be harmful to developing babies.

Before your X-ray is taken, you may be asked to remove jewelry and put on a hospital gown.

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 taken. The X-ray device will send X-rays through your body. The X-rays will be captured on the other side of your body by a computer or on film.

The process will only take a few minutes. It will not hurt. You will be able to resume your daily activities after the X-ray is complete.

The images are looked at by doctors. A report will be given to your doctor. Based on the results, you and your doctor will talk about more tests and treatment options.

Content was created using EBSCO’s Health Library. Edits to original content made by Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.