What is X-ray?

What is X-Ray?

X-ray (radiography) is the most common imaging modality used to see inside the human body. It uses a focused x-ray beam and a special detector to obtain images of the body. Having an x-ray is safe and non-invasive. X-rays are commonly used to detect bone fractures, pneumonia, evaluate injuries, visualize certain tumors and abnormal masses, and detect foreign objects. JCMG has an all-digital x-ray department. Digital technology allows us to provide you with high quality images using the lowest radiation exposure possible.

What is Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a special kind of x-ray exam that uses a continuous x-ray beam to create real time live images. It can be thought of as an x-ray video. This can be used in imaging of the joints, GI tract or spine among other body parts.

Arthrography

Arthrography is a special X-Ray exam used to provide highly detailed images of certain joints. The radiologist will inject the joint with a contrast material under fluoroscopy. Following this injection you will have an MRI or CT exam that will show very highly detailed images of the joint being imaged.

Barium Studies

To diagnose certain issues in your GI tract, your provider may recommend a barium study. Barium, a chalky powder is mixed with water and in introduced under fluoroscopy and visualized as it travels through the stomach or intestines. This can include studies of your esophagus, stomach, small intestines or colon.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) uses fluoroscopy with contrast material to evaluate the patency or openness of the fallopian tubes.

Myelogram

A Myelogram is a special fluoroscopic x-ray exam of the spine. The Radiologist will use the x-ray to guide them as they inject a contrast material into your spinal canal. This procedure is usually followed by a CT scan that allows us to get highly detailed images of your spinal column.

How does an X-ray work?

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light but with higher energy and shorter wavelength. Although we use a device called an x-ray tube to create x-rays in the Radiology Department, x-rays occur naturally in the world around us.

As the x-ray beam passes through your body some of the x-ray is absorbed or attenuated by the tissues of your body. Some of the x-rays pass through your body and are measured by the detector which sends the collected information to a computer and creates a visible 2-dimensional image. Tissues that are more dense, such as bones attenuate more x-ray and appear bright on the image, while tissues that are less dense, such as the lungs appear dark on the images.

What does an X-ray show?

X-ray is often the first line of defense your provider may use in diagnosing any number of conditions you may suffer from, including:

• Fractures
• Pneumonia and other lung diseases
• Arthritis
• Soft tissue tumors
• Foreign bodies
• Intestinal disorders
• Spinal disorders

How should I prepare for an X-ray?

You should wear loose clothing and remove all objects that would get in the way of the X-ray, such as hairpins or jewelry. You may need to change into a hospital gown depending on what area of your body is being imaged.

What should I expect to happen during an X-ray?

Your x-ray images may be taken with you laying on a table or standing in front of a detector. You may be asked to hold your breath for a short time. It is very important to hold very still during the x-ray exposure.

For most exams multiple views or angles of the anatomy will need to be taken to get a complete exam. The technologist will assist you in getting into the proper position.

What are the risks of X-rays?

X-rays expose you to a very low dose of ionizing radiation. Although no amount of x-ray is truly “safe” x-ray exams today use such low doses of radiation there is really no risk of a negative side effect from the x-ray. You will get about the same amount of radiation from a cross-country flight as from your x-ray exam.

If contrast media is to be used for your exam, there is a very slight risk of an allergic reaction. If you have a known allergy to Iodine or Barium, please let your provider know prior to scheduling your exam.

What happens after an X-ray?

After your exam the Radiologist will interpret your images and send a report to your provider that ordered the exam. Your provider will discuss these results with you.