Definition of X-Ray

 An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the

structures inside your body — particularly your bones.

 X-ray beams pass through your body, and they are absorbed
in different amounts depending on the density of the material
they pass through.
 Bones and metal- shows up white
 Air in the lungs- shows up black
 Fats and muscle- shows up gray

 For some types of X-ray tests, a contrast medium such as

iodine or barium is introduced into your body to provide
greater detail on the images.
 Purposes of X-Ray

Bones and teeth

1. Fractures and infections- In most cases, fractures and
infections in bones and teeth show up clearly on X-Rays.
2. Arthritis- X-rays of your joints can reveal evidence of
arthritis. X-rays taken over the years can help your doctor
determine if your arthritis is worsening.
3. Dental decay- Dentists use X-rays to check for cavities in
your teeth.
4. Osteoporosis- Special types of X-ray tests can measure
your bone density.
5. Bone cancer- X-rays can reveal bone tumors.
Chest
1. Lung infections or conditions- Evidence of
pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer can show
up on chest X-rays.
2. Breast cancer- Mammography is a special type of X-
ray test used to examine breast tissue.
3. Enlarged heart- This sign of congestive heart failure
shows up clearly on X-rays.
4. Blocked blood vessels- Injecting a contrast material
that contains iodine can help highlight sections of your
circulatory system to make them visible on X-rays.
Abdomen

1. Digestive tract problems- Barium, a

contrast medium delivered in a drink or
an enema, can help reveal problems in
your digestive system.
2. Swallowed items- If something is
swallowed like a key or a coin, an Xray can
show the location of that object.
 Risks of X-Ray

1. Amount of radiation exposed to during an X-ray

depends on the tissue or organ being examined.

2. Sensitivity to the radiation depends on your age,

with children being more sensitive than adults.

3. If pregnant or suspected to be pregnant.

Contrast medium
Side effects may be felt such as:
A feeling of warmth or flushing
A metallic taste
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Itching
Hives
Rarely, severe reactions to a contract
medium occur, including:

Severe low blood pressure

Anaphylactic shock
Cardiac arrest
 Preparations

What to wear

 Undress whatever part of your body needs

examination.
 May wear a gown during the exam, depending on
which area is being Xrayed.
 Remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any metal objects
because they can show up on an X-ray.
Contrast material
Before some types of X-rays, you're given a
liquid called contrast medium. Contrast
mediums, such as barium and iodine, help
outline a specific area of your body on the X-
ray image. You may swallow the contrast
medium or receive it as an injection or an
enema
 During the X-ray

1. X-rays are performed at doctors' offices,

dentists' offices, emergency rooms and
hospitals wherever an X-ray machine is
available.
2. The machine produces a safe level of
radiation that passes through your body
and records an image on a specialized
plate. You can't feel an Xray.
3. A technologist positions your body to obtain
the necessary views. He or she may use pillows or
sandbags to help you hold the position. During
the X-ray exposure, you remain still and
sometimes hold your breath to avoid moving so
that the image doesn't blur.

4. An X-ray procedure may take from a few

minutes for a bone X-ray to more than an hour
for more-involved procedures, such as those
using a contrast medium.
 Children on X-Ray

 If a young child is having an X-ray,

restraints or other techniques may be
used to keep him or her still. These
won't harm your child and will prevent
the need for a repeat procedure, which
may be necessary if the child moves
during the X-ray exposure.
 Children on X-Ray

 You may be allowed to remain with

your child during the test. If you
remain in the room during the X-
ray exposure, you'll likely be asked
to wear a lead apron to shield you
from unnecessary exposure.
 After the X-Ray

 After an X-ray, you generally can

resume normal activities. Routine
Xrays usually have no side effects.
However, if you're injected with
contrast medium before your X-rays,
drink plenty of fluids to help rid your
body of it.