X-Ray: Purpose, Procedure, And Risks - Healthline

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X-Ray

Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — Written by Brian Krans — Updated on September 2, 2020

Purpose
Preparation
Procedure
Risks
Follow-up

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is a common imaging test that’s been used for decades. It can help your doctor view the inside of your body without having to make an incision. This can help them diagnose, monitor, and treat many medical conditions.

Different types of X-rays are used for different purposes. For example, your doctor may order a mammogram to examine your breasts. Or they may order an X-ray with a barium enema to get a closer look at your gastrointestinal tract.

There are some risks involved in getting an X-ray. But for most people, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor to learn more about what is right for you.

Why is an X-ray performed?

Your doctor may order an X-ray to:

examine an area where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort
monitor the progression of a diagnosed disease, such as osteoporosis
check how well a prescribed treatment is working

Conditions that may call for an X-ray include:

bone cancer
breast tumors
enlarged heart
blocked blood vessels
conditions affecting your lungs
digestive problems
fractures
infections
osteoporosis
arthritis
tooth decay
needing to retrieve swallowed items

How should you prepare for an X-ray?

X-rays are standard procedures. In most cases, you won’t need to take special steps to prepare for them. Depending on the area that your doctor and radiologist are examining, you may want to wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in. They may ask you to change into a hospital gown for the test. They may also ask you to remove any jewelry or other metallic items from your body before your X-ray is taken.

Always tell your doctor or radiologist if you have metal implants from prior surgeries. These implants can block X-rays from passing through your body and creating a clear image.

In some cases, you may need to take a contrast material or “contrast dye” before your X-ray. This is a substance that will help improve the quality of the images. It may contain iodine or barium compounds. Depending on the reason for the X-ray, the contrast dye may be given in different ways, including:

via a liquid that you swallow
injected into your body
given to you as an enema before your test

If you’re having an X-ray to examine your gastrointestinal tract, your doctor may ask you to fast for a certain amount of time beforehand. You will need to avoid eating anything while you fast. You may also need to avoid or limit drinking certain liquids. In some cases, they may also ask you to take medications to clear out your bowels.

How is the procedure performed?

An X-ray technologist or radiologist can perform an X-ray in a hospital’s radiology department, a dentist’s office, or a clinic that specializes in diagnostic procedures.

Once you’re fully prepared, your X-ray technician or radiologist will tell you how to position your body to create clear images. They may ask you to lie, sit, or stand in several positions during the test. They may take images while you stand in front of a specialized plate that contains X-ray film or sensors. In some cases, they may also ask you to lie or sit on a specialized plate and move a large camera connected to a steel arm over your body to capture X-ray images.

It’s important to stay still while the images are being taken. This will provide the clearest images possible.

The test is finished as soon as your radiologist is satisfied with the images gathered.

What are the potential side effects of an X-Ray?

X-rays use small amounts of radiation to create images of your body. The level of radiation exposure is considered safe for most adults, but not for a developing baby. If you’re pregnant or believe you could be pregnant, tell your doctor before you have an X-ray. They may suggest a different imaging method, such as an MRI.

If you’re having an X-ray done to help diagnose or manage a painful condition, such as a broken bone, you may experience pain or discomfort during the test. You will need to hold your body in certain positions while the images are being taken. This may cause you pain or discomfort. Your doctor may recommend taking pain medicine beforehand.

If you ingest a contrast material before your X-ray, it may cause side effects. These include:

hives
itching
nausea
lightheadedness
a metallic taste in your mouth

In very rare cases, the dye can cause a severe reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, very low blood pressure, or cardiac arrest. If you suspect you’re having a severe reaction, contact your doctor immediately.

What happens after an X-ray?

After your X-ray images have been collected, you can change back into your regular clothes. Depending on your condition, your doctor may advise you to go about your normal activities or rest while you’re waiting for your results. Your results may be available on the same day as your procedure, or later.

Your doctor will review your X-rays and the report from the radiologist to determine how to proceed. Depending on your results, they may order additional tests to develop an accurate diagnosis. For example, they may order additional imaging scans, blood tests, or other diagnostic measures. They may also prescribe a course of treatment.

Ask your doctor for more information about your specific condition, diagnosis, and treatment options.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Contrast materials. (2016, March 17)http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/pdf/safety-contrast.pdf
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, March 26). X-rayhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/x-ray/basics/definition/prc-20009519
X-ray (radiography): Bone. (2016, April 6)http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bonerad

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Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — Written by Brian Krans — Updated on September 2, 2020

X-Ray: Purpose, Procedure, And Risks - Healthline

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Nutrition

What is an X-ray?

Why is an X-ray performed?

How should you prepare for an X-ray?

How is the procedure performed?

What are the potential side effects of an X-Ray?

What happens after an X-ray?

How we reviewed this article:

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