What is it?

X-rays are widely used in general medicine for diagnostic imaging. X-rays produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body structures onto specially-treated plates and a “negative” type picture is made (the more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film).

What to Tell us?

If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. If you have had a recent Barium X-ray procedure.

How to Prepare?

You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete all necessary paperwork.

You should wear comfortable clothing. You may be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses and metal objects that could interfere with the X-ray images. If you do not have clothing without metal components we may ask you to change into a gown.

Bring any previous X-ray films with you to the appointment in case they are needed for comparison.

What does the procedure involve?

The type of procedure will determine your positioning, such as lying on a table, sitting, or standing, and the type of x-ray equipment used. You will be positioned on an X-ray table, that carefully places the part of the body that is to be X-rayed between the X-ray machine and a cassette containing the x-ray film.

You will have to hold your breath for a few seconds for X-rays of the chest and abdomen area but this is not necessary for X-rays of the arms, legs and head. Although you may be required to hold awkward positions for a short period of time, there is no discomfort from the x-ray exposure.

How long will it take?

The procedure takes 15 – 20 minutes .