After the X-rayĪfter an X-ray, you generally can resume normal activities. If you remain in the room during the X-ray exposure, you'll likely be asked to wear a lead apron to shield you from unnecessary exposure. You may be allowed to remain with your child during the test. These won't harm your child and will prevent the need for a repeat procedure, which may be necessary if the child moves during the X-ray exposure. If a young child is having an X-ray, restraints or other techniques may be used to keep him or her still. During the X-ray exposure, you remain still and sometimes hold your breath to avoid moving so that the image doesn't blur.Īn X-ray procedure may take just a few minutes for a simple X-ray or longer for more-involved procedures, such as those using a contrast medium. He or she may use pillows or sandbags to help you hold the position. You can't feel an X-ray.Ī technologist positions your body to obtain the necessary views. The machine produces a safe level of radiation that passes through your body and records an image on a specialized plate. X-rays are performed at doctors' offices, dentists' offices, emergency rooms and hospitals - wherever an X-ray machine is available. You may swallow the contrast medium or receive it as an injection or an enema. Contrast mediums, such as barium and iodine, help outline a specific area of your body on the X-ray image. Contrast materialīefore some types of X-rays, you're given a liquid called contrast medium. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any metal objects because they can show up on an X-ray. You may wear a gown during the exam, depending on which area is being X-rayed. In general, you undress whatever part of your body needs examination. Ask your doctor or nurse to provide you with specific instructions. X-rays will pass through the body and produce an image on the specialized plate below.ĭifferent types of X-rays require different preparations. The X-ray tube is focused on the abdomen. Rarely, severe reactions to a contract medium occur, including: In some people, the injection of a contrast medium can cause side effects such as: Though the risk of most diagnostic X-rays to an unborn baby is small, your doctor may consider another imaging test, such as ultrasound. However, if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before having an X-ray. Generally, however, radiation exposure from an X-ray is low, and the benefits from these tests far outweigh the risks. Sensitivity to the radiation depends on your age, with children being more sensitive than adults. The amount of radiation you're exposed to during an X-ray depends on the tissue or organ being examined. Some people worry that X-rays aren't safe because radiation exposure can cause cell mutations that may lead to cancer. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Risks Radiation exposure Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect.Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.Functional neurologic disorder/conversion disorder.Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).Chronic exertional compartment syndrome.If your child has swallowed something such as a key or a coin, an X-ray can show the location of that object.
Barium, a contrast medium delivered in a drink or an enema, can help reveal problems in your digestive system. Injecting a contrast material that contains iodine can help highlight sections of your circulatory system to make them visible on X-rays. This sign of congestive heart failure shows up clearly on X-rays. Mammography is a special type of X-ray test used to examine breast tissue. Evidence of pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer can show up on chest X-rays. Special types of X-ray tests can measure your bone density. Dentists use X-rays to check for cavities in your teeth. X-rays taken over the years can help your doctor determine if your arthritis is worsening. X-rays of your joints can reveal evidence of arthritis. In most cases, fractures and infections in bones and teeth show up clearly on X-rays. X-ray technology is used to examine many parts of the body. X-rays can locate metal objects your child has swallowed, such as this jack.
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