X-Rays
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X-rays, or (plain radiographs)
X-rays, or plain radiographs, are a way for providers to get pictures of the inside of your body. X-rays use radiation to create black-and-white images that a radiologist reads. X-rays are most commonly used to look at bones and joints, but providers can use them to quickly diagnose other conditions, like lung infections, too.
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a type of medical imaging that uses radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body. We often think of X-rays as something providers use to diagnose broken bones or look at your teeth. But X-ray images can also help providers diagnose a wide range of injuries, disorders and diseases.
Most people use the term “X-ray” to mean a plain radiograph (plain film), or just one image. But X-rays are also the type of radiation that imaging machines use to create pictures. X-ray radiation is also used in other types of medical imaging, like CT scans, to get many images that are interpreted by a computer to form 3D pictures. This piece will focus on plain X-rays.
What is an X-ray with contrast material?
Some X-rays use contrast material (also called contrast agent or dye). It makes certain structures in your body, like blood vessels, easier to see.
The contrast material comes as a liquid, powder or pill. Your provider gives you the contrast material before the X-ray. Depending on the type of X-ray, you may receive the contrast material:
- Orally (by mouth).
- Through an injection into a vein (IV) or your cerebrospinal fluid.
- By inserting it into your rectum (enema).
When do you need an X-ray?
Your provider may order an X-ray to:
- Check for a broken bone (fracture).
- Identify the cause of symptoms, such as pain and swelling.
- Look for signs of infection in your lungs.
- Look for foreign objects in your body.
- Look for structural problems in your bones, joints or soft tissues.
- Plan and evaluate treatments.
What are the types of X-rays?
Several types of X-rays take pictures of different areas inside your body. Some of the most common types of X-rays include:
- Abdominal X-ray. This X-ray helps providers evaluate parts of your digestive system and diagnose conditions like kidney stones and bladder stones.
- Bone X-ray. You might get a bone X-ray if your provider suspects you have a broken bone, dislocated joint or arthritis. Images from bone X-rays can also show signs of bone cancer or infection.
- Chest X-ray. Your provider might order a chest X-ray if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or a cough.
- Dental X-ray. A dental provider takes regular X-rays of your mouth to look for issues with your teeth and gums.
- Head X-ray. These can help providers see skull fractures from head injuries or conditions that affect how the bones in your skull form, like craniosynostosis.
- Spine X-ray. A provider can use a spine X-ray to look for spine curvatures, slipped discs and other spine issues.
Other types of medical imaging use a series of X-rays interpreted by a computer to make detailed images. These include:
- Bone density (DXA) scan.
- CT scan (computed tomography).
- Fluoroscopy.
- Mammogram.
How do X-rays work?
X-rays work by sending beams of radiation through your body to create images on an X-ray detector nearby. Radiation beams are invisible, and you can’t feel them.
As the beams go through your body, bones, soft tissues and other structures absorb radiation in different ways. Solid or dense objects (such as bones) absorb radiation easily, so they appear bright white on the image. Soft tissues (such as organs) don’t absorb radiation as easily, so they appear in shades of gray on the X-ray.
A radiologist interprets the image and writes a report for the physician who ordered the X-ray, noting if there’s anything in the image that’s abnormal or concerning.
How do I prepare for an X-ray?
Preparation for an X-ray depends on the type of X-ray you’re getting. Your provider may ask you to:
- Avoid using lotions, creams or perfume. These can cause shadows on your X-rays and make the results inaccurate.
- Remove metal objects like jewelry, hairpins or hearing aids. Metal can interfere with X-rays and make the results inaccurate.
- Stop eating or drinking several hours beforehand.
- Wear comfortable clothing or change into a gown before the X-ray.
Tell your healthcare provider about your health history, allergies and any medications you’re taking. If you’re pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding (chestfeeding), tell your provider before getting an X-ray. If you’re getting an X-ray with contrast, let your provider know if you have a kidney condition.
What can I expect during an X-ray?
The exact steps of an X-ray depend on what kind of X-ray you’re getting. In general, during an X-ray your provider will:
- Give you contrast medium (if necessary) through an injection or enema, or have you swallow it. You may feel flushed or warm for a little while after an IV injection of dye. Some people get a metallic taste in their mouth. These side effects go away in a few minutes.
- Ask you to sit, stand or lie down on a table. In the past, your provider may have covered you with a heavy lead shield (apron), but new evidence suggests that they aren’t necessary.
- Position the camera near the body part that they’re getting a picture of.
- Move your body or limbs in different positions and ask you to hold still. They may also ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds so the images aren’t blurry.
Sometimes children can’t stay still long enough to produce clear images. Your child’s provider may recommend using a restraint during an X-ray. The restraint (or immobilizer) helps your child stay still and reduces the need for retakes. The restraints don’t hurt and won’t harm your child.