Did you know that x-ray scans are the most common type of diagnostic screening? Here is what you need to know before you receive an x-ray.
X-ray imaging can examine most areas of the body.
Your healthcare provider might order an x-ray scan to take a closer look at a possible bone fracture, tooth issues, or abnormal masses. X-rays are commonly known to look at bones and joints, but they can also be used to look at certain soft tissues. For example, a tumor will appear white on an x-ray image because tumors are denser than soft tissue.
X-ray procedures differ based on which part of the body is being scanned.
Your healthcare provider will walk you through the entire x-ray process from beginning to end. You will receive specific instructions about how to prepare for your scan. It might be necessary for you to change into a gown before the scan, and if so, you will be provided with one. Most x-ray scans take place with the patient lying on the scanner table. The technologist will guide you through a series of positions in order to capture images from several different angles. X-ray usually take less than 10 minutes to complete, but some x-ray scans take longer. Your doctor will review the results with you after examining your results.
Having an x-ray scan is extremely safe!
X-ray involves a very small amount of ionizing radiation so that it can detect issues such as bone fractures. However, the amount of radiation is comparable to other radiation sources found in your home. One adult chest x-ray is equivalent to about ten days of typical radiation exposure. For most patients, the benefits of receiving an x-ray outweigh the risks.
X-Ray Imaging and Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants
Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants services many locations that offer x-ray imaging for your diagnostic imaging needs. If you would like to learn more about x-ray imaging or Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants, please give our office a call at 970-484-4757.
References:
- Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). How much radiation am I exposed to when I get a medical x-ray procedure?EPA. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/radiation/how-much-radiation-am-i-exposed-when-i-get-medical-x-ray-procedure
- Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and American College of Radiology (ACR). (n.d.). Radiation dose. Radiologyinfo.org. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/safety-xray
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). X-rays. MedlinePlus. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/xrays.html
- X-rays. X-Rays | Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, August 8). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/xrays
