Share this with Facebook Share this with Twitter Share this with LinkedIn Email this page Print this page

X-ray

X-ray, also called radiography, is the most common form of medical imaging. An X-ray machine sends particles through your body, and images are recorded on a computer or film. Dense structures (bone, metal, or contrast material) will appear white. Less dense structures will appear as shades of gray. Air will appear black.

What is an x-ray?

X-ray

An X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to make images of your bones and internal organs. X-rays are most often used to detect bone or joint problems, or to check the heart and lungs (chest X-ray). They are also used to check for calcifications in your body, such as renal stones. You may also have an X-ray to check for problems in the bowel such as an obstruction or free air in the abdomen. X-rays are also used to look for a foreign body, such as metal. This can be from trauma or a swallowed object.

Technician preparing woman for x-ray.

Things to be aware of

Tell the technologist if you:

Are or may be pregnant
Have had an X-ray of this part of your body before
Have metal in the part of your body being imaged

Before your test

Here is what to expect before the test:

You may be asked to remove your watch, jewelry, or garments with metal closures from the part of your body being imaged. These items can block part of the image.
You may be asked to put on a gown.
You may be asked about your overall health or any medicines you take.

During your test

Here is what to expect during the test:

You will be asked to lie on a table, sit, or stand.
A lead apron may be draped over part of your body to shield it from the X-rays.
With an X-ray of your chest or belly, you may have to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.
Each exam usually needs at least 2 X-rays. You may need to move your body before each new X-ray.

After your test

Here is what to expect after the test:

Your healthcare provider will discuss the test results with you during a follow-up appointment or over the phone.

Your next appointment is:__________________

What is an abdominal X-ray?

X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of the abdomen. X-rays pass through body tissues onto a special film similar to camera film and make a picture. The more solid a structure is, the whiter it looks on the film. Computers and digital media are now more commonly used instead of film. They show pictures of your internal tissues, bones, and organs. Bone and metal show up as white on X-rays.

X-rays of the belly may be done to check the area for causes of abdominal pain. It can also be done to find an object that has been swallowed or to look for a blockage or a hole in the intestine.

Abdominal X-rays may be taken in the following positions:

Standing up
Lying flat with the picture made from above
Standing with the picture made from the front
The left side-lying position. This may be used if you can’t stand up.

When two or more of these views are taken, the set of films may be called an obstruction series. This series of X-rays is done to try to locate a site of a suspected blockage in the abdomen or intestine.

Why might I need an abdominal X-ray?

Abdominal X-rays may be used to diagnose causes of abdominal pain. These can include things such as masses, openings in the intestine, kidney stones, or blockages. Abdominal X-rays may be done before other tests that look at the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or urinary tract. These include an abdominal CT scan and renal or kidney tests.

Basic information regarding the size, shape, and position of abdominal organs can be seen with abdominal X-rays. Stones in the gallbladder, kidneys, or ureters may be seen. Calcification of the aorta may also be seen with an abdominal X-ray. There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend an abdominal X-ray. Talk with your healthcare provider about the reason for your abdominal X-ray.

What are the risks of an abdominal X-ray?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the procedure. Also ask about the risks related to your particular situation. It's a good idea to keep a record of your radiation exposure, such as previous X-rays and other scans, so that you can tell your provider. Risks linked to radiation exposure may be from the number of X-ray exams or treatments over time.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Being exposed to radiation during pregnancy may lead to birth defects.

There may be other risks depending on your specific medical problem. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider prior to the procedure.

Recent barium X-rays of the abdomen or belly may affect the accuracy of an abdominal X-ray.

How do I get ready for an abdominal X-ray?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and give you a chance to ask any questions about the procedure.
Generally, you don't need to do anything to get ready for the test.
Tell your healthcare provider and the radiologic technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Tell your healthcare provider if you've taken a medicine that contains bismuth in the past 4 days. Medicines that have bismuth may get in the way of the testing procedures.
Your healthcare provider may ask for other specific preparation.

What happens during an abdominal X-ray?

Abdominal X-rays may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your hospital stay. Tests and procedures may vary depending on your condition.

Generally, abdominal X-rays follow this process:

You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that might get in the way during the procedure.
If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
You will be positioned in a way that carefully places the part of the abdomen or belly to be X-rayed between the X-ray machine and the film. You may be asked to stand up, lie flat on a table, or lie on your side on a table, depending on the X-ray view your healthcare provider has asked for. You may have X-rays taken from more than one position.
Body parts not being imaged may be covered with a lead apron or shield to limit exposure to the X-rays.
Once you are positioned, you will be asked to hold still for a few moments while the X-ray is taken. You may be asked to hold your breath at various times during the X-ray. It's very important to stay completely still while the X-ray is taken. Any movement may alter the image and may even require another X-ray to be done.
The X-ray beam is then focused on the area to be examined.
The radiologic technologist steps behind a protective window while the image is taken.

While the X-ray procedure itself causes no pain, moving the body part being examined may cause some discomfort or pain, particularly if you’ve recently had surgery or been injured. The radiologic technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.

What happens after an abdominal X-ray?

Generally, there is no special type of care after abdominal X-rays. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure, make sure you know:

The name of the test or procedure
The reason you are having the test or procedure
What results to expect and what they mean
The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
What the possible side effects or complications are
When and where you are to have the test or procedure
Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
When and how you will get the results
Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure

What is a chest X-ray?

A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs.

Chest X-rays can show your healthcare provider the size, shape, and location of the following:

Heart
Lungs
Bronchi
Aorta
Pulmonary arteries
Middle chest area (mediastinum)
Bones of your chest

It uses a small amount of radiation to make pictures of these areas.

Why might I need a chest X-ray?

Your healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray to see how well your heart or lungs are working. You may need a chest X-ray if it is suspected that you have any of the following:

Enlarged heart, which can mean you have a congenital heart defect or cardiomyopathy
Fluid in the space between your lungs and your chest wall (pleural effusion)
Pneumonia or another lung problem
Ballooning of the aorta or another great blood vessel (aneurysm)
Broken bone
Hardening of a heart valve or aorta (calcification)
Tumors or cancer
Diaphragm that has moved out of place (hernia)
Inflammation of the lining of the lung (pleuritis)
Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which can mean you have congestive heart failure

You may also need a chest X-ray:

As part of a complete physical exam or before you have surgery
To check on symptoms related to the heart or lungs
To see how well treatment is working or how a disease is progressing
To check on your lungs and chest cavity after surgery
To see where implanted pacemaker wires and other internal devices are located

These other devices include central venous catheters, endotracheal tubes, chest tubes, and nasogastric tubes.

Your provider may have other reasons to recommend a chest X-ray.

What are the risks of a chest X-ray?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the test. Also ask about the risks as they apply to you.

Consider writing down all X-rays you get, including past scans and X-rays for other health reasons. Show this list to your provider. The risks of radiation exposure may be tied to the number of X-rays you have and the X-ray treatments you have over time.

Tell your provider if you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects.

You may have other risks depending on your specific health condition. Talk with your provider about any concerns you have before the procedure.

How do I get ready for a chest X-ray?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask any questions you have about the procedure.
You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything isn't clear.
You usually don't need to stop eating or drinking before the test. You also usually won't need medicine to help you relax (sedation).
Tell your provider if you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Wear clothing that you can easily take off. Or wear clothing that lets the radiologist reach your chest.
Tell your provider if you have any body piercings on your chest.
Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready.

What happens during a chest X-ray?

You may have a chest X-ray as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.

Generally, a chest X-ray follows this process:

You'll be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may get in the way of the test.
You'll be given a gown to wear.
You may be asked to lie down, sit, or stand. Your position depends on what images the technologist needs.
For a standing or sitting image, you'll stand or sit in front of the X-ray plate. You'll be asked to roll your shoulders forward, take in a deep breath, and hold it until the X-ray is made. If you're unable to hold your breath, the technologist will take the picture by watching how you breathe.
You'll need to stay still during the X-ray. Moving during the X-ray may affect the quality of the image.
For a side-angle view of the chest, you'll be asked to turn to your side and raise your arms above your head. You'll be told to take in a deep breath and hold it as the X-ray is made.
The technologist will step behind a special window while the images are being made.

The chest X-ray isn't painful. But you may have some discomfort or pain from moving into different positions if you have had recent surgery or an injury. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and do the scan as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.

What happens after a chest X-ray?

You don't need any special care after a chest X-ray. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure, make sure you know:

The name of the test or procedure
The reason you are having the test or procedure
What results to expect and what they mean
The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
What the possible side effects or complications are
When and where you are to have the test or procedure
Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
When and how you will get the results
Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure

What is a kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray?

This type of X-ray may be done to check the belly (abdomen) for causes of pain. It may also be done to check the organs and structures of the urinary or digestive tract. The X-ray may be the first test done to check the urinary tract.

X-rays use beams of energy that pass through body tissues onto a special film and make a picture. They show pictures of your internal tissues, bones, and organs.

Why might I need a kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray?

The X-ray may be done to diagnose the cause of belly (abdominal) pain. This can include things such as masses, tears (perforations), or blockage. The X-ray may be taken to look at the urinary tract before other tests are done for diagnosis. This test can find stones in the kidneys or ureters.

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend an X-ray.

What are the risks of a kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the procedure and the risks related to your particular case. Keep a record of your past history of radiation exposure. Tell your healthcare provider about any previous scans and other types of X-rays. Risks linked to radiation exposure may be related to the total number of X-ray exams or treatments over a long period of time.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think that you could be. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects.

There may be other risks depending on your own health problem. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

Certain things make an X-ray less accurate. These include:

Recent barium X-rays of the stomach
Gas, stool, or a foreign body in the intestine
Masses in the uterus or ovary

How do I get ready for a kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray?

Advice for preparation includes the following:

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and offer you the chance to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
You usually don't need to fast before the test or have medicine (sedation) to help you relax.
Tell the radiologic technologist if you are pregnant or think you could be.
Tell your healthcare provider and radiology technologist if you have taken a medicine that contains bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol, in the past 4 days. Medicines that contain bismuth may get in the way with testing procedures.
Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, based on your health problem.

What happens during a kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray?

A kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray may be done on an outpatient basis. It can also be done as part of your hospital stay. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.

Generally, an X-ray follows this process:

You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that might get in the way of the procedure.
If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
You will be placed in a way that carefully places the part of the stomach that is to be X-rayed between the X-ray machine and the film. You may be asked to stand up, lie flat on a table, or lie on your side on a table. Your position depends on the X-ray view your healthcare provider needs. You may have X-rays taken from more than 1 position.
Body parts that are not part of the test may be covered with a lead shield to prevent exposure to the X-rays.
Once you are positioned, the radiology technologist will ask you to hold still for a few moments while the X-ray exposure is made.
It's very important to stay completely still while the X-ray is taken. Any movement may change the image. You may need to have another X-ray.
The X-ray beam will be focused on the area to be photographed.
The technologist will step behind a protective window while the image is taken.

The X-ray itself causes no pain. But moving the body part being looked at may cause some discomfort or pain. This is especially true if you have had a recent injury or surgery. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures. They will finish the procedure as quickly as possible to reduce any discomfort or pain.

What happens after a kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray?

You don't often need any special care after a kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

The name of the test or procedure
The reason you are having the test or procedure
What results to expect and what they mean
The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
What the possible side effects or complications are
When and where you are to have the test or procedure
Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
When and how you will get the results
Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure

What is a skull X-ray?

X-rays use a small amount of radiation beams to make images. Standard X-rays are done for many reasons. They are done to diagnose tumors, infection, foreign bodies, or bone injuries.

X-ray beams pass through body tissues onto treated plates. The more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film. Computers and digital media are now more often used in place of films.

X-rays of the skull are not used as often now due to the use of CT scans and MRI. But they are still helpful to look at the bones of the skull for fractures and look for other conditions of the skull and brain.

Bones of the skull

The skull is also called the cranium. It's the bony structure of the head. Two sets of bones make up the skull:

Cranial bones.Bones that protect and enclose the brain.
Facial bones. Bones that provide the framework for the face and mouth.

All bones making up the skull are attached to each other by joints that don't move, except for the jawbone. The jawbone is attached to the skull with a movable joint.

The cranium holds and protects the brain. It's made up of 8 bones. They are:

Frontal bone
Parietal bones (1 on each side)
Temporal bones (1 on each side)
Ethmoid bone
Sphenoid bone
Occipital bone

The face has 14 bones. These include those that make up the jaws, cheeks, and nasal area.

Why might I need a skull X-ray?

X-rays of the skull may be done to diagnose:

Fractures of the bones of the skull
Birth defects
Infection
Foreign bodies
Certain metabolic and endocrine disorders that cause skull defects
Tumors
Problems in the nasal sinuses
Calcified areas in the brain

There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend an X-ray of the skull. Be sure to talk with them about the reason for your skull X-ray.

What are the risks of a skull X-ray?

Ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the procedure and the risks to you. It's a good idea to keep a record of your radiation exposure to tell your healthcare providers. This includes previous X-rays and CT scans. Risks of radiation exposure may be related to the number of X-ray tests or treatments over time.

If you are pregnant or think you may be, tell your provider. Radiation exposure in pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If you need to have a skull X-ray, care will be taken to protect your baby.

You may have other risks. Ask your healthcare provider before the procedure.

How do I get ready for a skull X-ray?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and ask if you have questions.

Tell the radiologic technologist:

If you are pregnant or think you could be
If you have a prosthetic (artificial) eye, because the prosthesis can create a shadow on an X-ray of the skull

What happens during a skull X-ray?

An X-ray may be done on an outpatient basis. This means you go home afterward. Or it may be done as part of your stay in a hospital.

An X-ray of the skull follows this general process:

You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or other metal objects that might interfere with the X-ray.
If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a medical gown to wear.
You will lie down on an X-ray table. The technician will make sure that the part of the skull to be X-rayed is between the X-ray machine and a cassette with the X-ray film or digital plate.
A lead apron or shield may be draped over part of your body.
If the X-ray is being done to find an injury, special care will be taken to prevent more injury. For example, a neck brace may be used if a cervical spine fracture is suspected. The X-ray itself causes no pain. Moving the body into position may cause some discomfort or pain if you have an injury or had surgery. The technician will make sure to minimize any discomfort or pain.
The technician will step behind a protective window while the image is taken. They will ask you to hold still for a few moments while the X-ray is taken. The radiation beam will be focused on the area to be X-rayed.
Some skull X-ray studies may be done in several different positions. It's very important to be still while the X-ray is taken. Any movement may distort the image and another X-ray may be needed.