In this article we will understand more about the procedure of X-ray and its procedure, how it is performed, positioning, radiation exposure etc.
X-Ray is one of the most effective techniques used to detect abnormalities of the body through electromagnetic radiation, along with the visible lights, and radio waves. The image shows part of your body in different shades such as black and white. In this article we will understand more about the procedure of X-ray and its procedure, how it is performed, positioning, radiation exposure etc.
How should you prepare for an X-Ray?
X-rays are routine tests. In most cases, you will not have to do anything out of the routine to prepare for them. Based on the site that your doctor and radiologist are testing, you might choose to wear comfortable, loose clothes that you can move around in. They can ask you to change into a hospital gown during the test. They will also ask you to take off any other metal objects or jewelry you are wearing prior to your X-ray.
Always inform your radiologist or doctor if you have any surgical metal implants. Such implants will hinder the X-rays from passing through your body and producing a good image.
At times you will be asked to receive a contrast material or "contrast dye" before your X-ray. It is a liquid that will help the pictures. It might include iodine or barium chemicals. Depending on why you are getting an X-ray, the contrast dye will be administered in one of several manners, including:
- In liquid form that you will ingest
- Administered to you by injection into your body
- Given to you as an enema before your test
If you are undergoing an X-ray to scan your gastrointestinal tract, your physician might tell you to avoid food for a period of time prior to the test. You will be required to not eat anything while fasting. You will also be required to avoid or limit drinking certain fluids. You will be requested to take medication to empty your bowels occasionally.
How is the procedure done?
You can get an X-ray taken by an X-ray technologist or a radiologist in a hospital radiology department, dental clinic, or diagnostic procedure center.
When you are prepared, your X-ray technician or radiologist will have you stand for good pictures. You will be asked to lie down, sit down, or stand in different positions for the test. They might be taking photographs while you stand in front of a special plate with X-ray detectors or film. They might ask you to lie or sit on a special plate and press a gigantic camera that is mounted on a metal arm across your body to take X-ray pictures.
You must remain as motionless as possible while having the photographs taken. This will enable them to take the most excellent photographs they can.
The test is complete when your radiologist is pleased with the photographs that have been taken.
Type of X-rays done at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre:
What are the side effects of an X-Ray?
X-rays emit tiny amounts of radiation to produce images of your body. An X-ray's dose of radiation is harmless to most adults but not to an unborn child in a womb. If you are pregnant or believe that you are pregnant, inform your doctor prior to an X-ray. Your doctor might order you another imaging study, for example, an MRI.
If you are getting an X-ray so that your physician can diagnose or cure a throbbing pain injury, like a broken bone, then you will hurt or be sore when you get it done. You will have to keep fragments of your body still while they take the images. This irks or hurts. Your physician will maybe get you on pain medication beforehand.
If you were administered a contrast agent that was injected into your body prior to your X-ray, it does have side effects. They are:
- Hives
- Itching
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Metallic taste in your mouth
What are the things to remember during an X-Ray?
An X-ray is usually a quick and painless procedure, but here are a few things that you might need to know in order to help make it as easy as possible and take some good-quality pictures:
Let the technologist know if you are pregnant or believe that you are pregnant. X-rays do not expose you to very small levels of radiation, and although the risk is slight, pregnant women are usually shielded from them in most situations.
Inform the technologist if you have any medical issues or if you've had surgery. They can then position you so they can get better images.
Take off all jewelry, watches, and other metal pieces near the area to be X-rayed. Metal will stop the X-rays from being able to pass through and produce a blurry image. This would be necklaces, earrings, bracelets, body piercings, and even buttons or zippers on your clothes.
Don loose, comfortable clothes that contain no metal. This might just make it possible not to have to wear a gown.
Do the technologist's directions exactly. He or she will direct you to put your body in specific places and then tell you where and how long to hold the position so it won't change. If the body moves, during the capturing of the X-ray, it can be foggy and would have to be retaken.
Remain as still as possible during exposure. It is to be photographed extremely well. You may need to hold your breath for a second or two.
Request that it be explained to you if you are not sure. You can voice any fear or uncertainty that you might have prior to, during, or after you have the procedure performed.
You will probably be by yourself in the room when you are exposed to the X-ray. The technologist will move behind a shield wall or into another room to use the equipment. They can hear and see you in spite of.
The test is not usually uncomfortable. You may feel the cold of the X-ray plate or the support equipment, but the X-ray itself is not uncomfortable.
Once an X-ray, you can return to normal activities immediately. There are usually no after-effects.
What are the considerations?
Here are some considerations that you need to know before undergo for X-ray:
Medical Reasons:
Pregnancy: Most importantly of all. Always tell the doctor or technologist if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant. X-rays are made with radiation, and while the risk from one diagnostic X-ray is typically small, it's greater in an unborn baby.
Medical History: Alert the physician and technologist to any disease or condition of your disease, previous surgery, implants (especially metal), and allergies, including contrast medium if given. Pertinent disease or condition is heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid disease.
Medications: Inform the doctor of all medication. Some drugs, like Metformin, need to be discontinued temporarily in case the contrast dye is administered.
Allergies: Ask if there is a possibility of allergy, especially to barium or iodine, which are common ingredients of contrast media employed in some X-rays.
Practical Considerations (Pre and during the X-ray):
Preparation Instructions: You may be required to prepare specifically for the type of X-ray. You may be required to fast on clear fluids or laxatives. Kindly ensure you take them word for word.
Clothing: Loose, non-restrictive clothing without metal. Wearing a hospital gown is an option.
Removal of Metallic Objects: Remove all jewelry, watches, glasses, hearing aids, and all metal objects (such as zippers or buttons) from the X-ray area. Metal disrupts X-ray penetration and produces artifacts on the image.
Lotions, Creams, and Powders: Do not apply lotions, creams, deodorants, or powders to the skin in the area to be X-rayed because they will scatter the radiation.
Communication: Always tell the truth to the technologist if you are unsure or have questions prior to, during, or after the procedure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the X-ray process, preparations required, and requirements such as pregnancy notification and metal removal gives a healthy and successful experience. Adhering to procedures and inquiring with the technologist avoids potential risk in getting clean diagnostic results.
FAQs
Q. How long does an X-ray procedure take?
The procedure of X-ray takes between 20-30 minutes and also depends on the patient corporations and other factors.
Q. When should I call my doctor if contrast dye is used?
You need to call if you found the allergic reactions of contrast dye such as-
- Skin rash, hives or itching.
- Headaches.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
Q. What are the further steps if the finding of an X-ray is abnormal?
The steps to follow if the findings are abnormal, you need to consult with your doctor and radiologist and they will let you know the further process to diagnose the abnormalities.
