X-rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves. The X Ray machine produces a tiny burst of radiation, at a safe level, that passes through your body and records an image on a computer digitally / specialized plate. X-ray imaging creates pictures of the inside of your body. An X-ray is a quick, painless test.
X-ray beams can pass through your body, but they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle appear as varying shades of gray. Thus the images show the parts of your body in different shades of black and white as different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation.
Digital radiography is a form of X Ray imaging where digital X Ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film (which requires specialised processing). Digital X-Ray facility provides immediate processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Advantages of this technique is bypassing chemical processing and requires less radiation.
For some types of X-ray tests, a contrast medium — such as iodine or barium — is introduced into your body to provide greater detail on the X-ray images. You may swallow the contrast medium, or receive it as an injection or as an enema.
Pregnancy is usually a contraindication for radiation exposure as it may effect the baby’s growth and development. Radiation exposure can cause cell mutations. Altered Renal function is also a contraindication for X Rays requiring contrast material.
Routine X-rays usually have no side effects. The amount of radiation you get from an x-ray is small. For example, a chest x-ray gives out a radiation dose similar to the amount of radiation you're naturally exposed to from the environment over 10 days. Some people worry that X-rays aren't safe because that may lead to cancer. But the amount of radiation you're exposed to during an X-ray is so small that the risk of any damage to cells in your body is extremely low.
In some people, the injection of a contrast medium can cause side effects such as:
A feeling of warmth or flushing, A metallic taste in the mouth, Lightheadedness, Nausea, Itching, Hives, Severe low blood pressure, Anaphylactic shock and even Cardiac arrest. Some people may experience pain, swelling or redness at the injection site.
After an X-ray, you generally can resume normal activities. When you receive contrast, usually you are informed to take lots of liquids as the dye can be thrown rapidly out of body.
Different types of X-rays require different preparations / no preparations. Ask your doctor or nurse to provide you with specific instructions if required. Pre preparations is usually required only when contrast material is used. You may be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any metal objects that obscure the X-ray images.
X-rays may be performed at doctors' offices, dentists' offices, emergency rooms and hospitals — wherever an X-ray machine is available. A technologist positions your body to obtain the necessary views. He or she may use pillows or sandbags to help you hold the proper position. During the X-ray exposure, you remain still and hold your breath to avoid moving, which can cause the image to blur. When you have an x-ray, you may wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body.
An X-ray procedure may take only a few minutes for a bone X-ray, or more than an hour for more-involved procedures, such as those using a contrast medium.
X-rays are saved digitally on computers. Digital images can be viewed on-screen within minutes. A radiologist typically views and interprets the results and sends a report to your doctor, who then explains the results to you. In an emergency, your X-ray results can be made available to your doctor in minutes.