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February 27, 2024

All You Need to Know About X-Rays

We’ve all heard of X-rays – it is probably the most popular type of diagnostic imaging technique. Many of us have gone through the process as well. But do you know what they actually are, how they work and why are they used?

That’s exactly what we’ll discuss in this article.

What are X-rays?

X-ray is a medical imaging study involving a picture of bones and soft tissues such as organs. A safe amount of radiation is used during X-rays to take a picture. It is one of the foremost imaging studies in the field of radiology. Through these images, your healthcare provider can diagnose various conditions and plan treatment paths.

The most common condition for which X-rays are used is broken bones or fractures. However, X-rays are also used to diagnose an array of conditions, injuries and diseases.

How Does an X-Ray Work?

During an X-ray, external radiation is passed through the body onto specially treated plates or digital media to create pictures. Different parts of the body allow varying amounts of X-ray beams to pass through. X-rays passing through the soft tissues appear dark grey on the film or digital media while those passing through the bone or tumour appear denser.

So how is a fracture diagnosed through the X-ray? X-ray passing through a broken bone area appears as dark lines on the white bone.

This technology is used for other diagnostic procedures such as computed tomography (CT) scans, arteriograms and fluoroscopy.

What are X-Rays Used For?

X-rays can be performed on people of all ages, even babies. However, the only exception is pregnant women, as X-rays can harm the foetus. If you are pregnant, inform your radiologist about it.

X-rays are used for:

Checking for a broken bone or fracture.
Looking for structural problems in your joints, bones and soft tissues.
Looking for foreign objects in your body.
Looking for various symptoms such as swelling and pain.
Routine screenings for cancer and other diseases.

Different types of X-Rays

While for a layman it might seem there’s only one kind of X-ray, in reality, X-rays can be of different kinds. Here are some of the most common kinds of X-rays:

Bone X-ray: This is used to diagnose fractures, arthritis and dislocated joints. Bone X-ray images can also be used to look for signs of bone cancer or infection. A spine X-ray is used to diagnose conditions in the spine.
Abdominal X-ray: This X-ray is used to scan the organs in the abdomen such as the stomach, liver, kidneys and bladder. Abdominal X-rays are useful to diagnose conditions such as bladder stones and kidney stones.
Dental X-ray: Dental X-rays are used to check infections and cavities such as teeth and gums.
Chest X-rays: This X-ray is used to check for conditions involving the lungs and heart such as pneumonia.
Mammogram: Mammogram X-rays are used to check for signs of breast cancer.
Fluoroscopy: Fluoroscopy scans organs and soft tissues such as intestines.
CT Scans: Computed Tomography or CT scans are also a form of X-ray where computer and X-rays are used to create a cross-section image of the bones, tissues and organs.

How is an X-Ray Performed?

X-rays can be performed both as an inpatient and outpatient procedure. Although different clinics may have different procedures, here’s the process in general:

The patient will be asked to remove any jewellery and clothing that might interfere with the process. The patient will be given a gown to wear if the clothing has to be removed.
The patient is positioned carefully on the X-ray table so that the part of the body to be X-rayed is between the X-ray machine and the imaging plate. Proper positioning might take a little bit of time.
The X-ray beam is aimed at the area to be imaged. The patient needs to be very still during this process, or else the image may be blurred.
During this process, the technician will remain behind a protective window.
Various X-rays are taken to get a complete picture of the entire body part.

How Should You Prepare for an X-Ray?

Are you going to experience an X-ray for the first time? Worry not. Here’s how can you prepare for the test:

Inform your healthcare provider about your health history, allergies and the medications you are taking. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your radiologist and healthcare team about it.

Usually, no preparation is required for bone X-rays. However, for other types of X-rays, you may be required to:

Remove metal objects such as hair pins, hearing aids and jewellery.
Avoid using creams, perfumes and lotions.
Wear comfortable clothing or change into a gown during the X-ray.
Avoid drinking or eating several hours before the X-ray, for GI X-rays.

What to Expect Before an X-ray?

During the X-ray, your healthcare provider will ask you to stand, sit or lie down on the table. Your healthcare provider may ask you to hold still during the process to ensure they get a clear picture.

As it is difficult for children to hold still during the process, the healthcare provider may request you to use a restraint. The restraint can help to hold the child still and reduce the number of retakes. Don’t worry, the restraints won’t harm your child.

What to Expect after an X-ray?

Usually, there shouldn’t be any effect after the X-ray. But if you are given contrast dye before the X-ray, drink plenty of water to flush the contrast material from the body. There may be other side effects also such as:

Headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea
Allergies and asthma

If any of these side effects become severe, please contact your doctor immediately.

A Final Word

The reports from an X-ray are usually available almost immediately. However, your X-ray technician may not provide you with the report directly, they may prefer to hand over the report to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor to obtain a clear picture of your diagnosis and discuss the treatment plan.

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