X Ray
Having an X-ray
Source: NHS
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Duringan X-ray, you'll usually be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surfacesothat the part of your body being examinedcan be positioned in the right place.
The X-ray machine, which looks like a tube containing a large light bulb, will be carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined by the radiographer. They willoperate the machine from behind a screen or from the next room.
The X-ray will last for a fraction of a second.You won't feel anything while it's carried out.
While the X-ray is being taken, you'll need to keep still so the image producedisn't blurred. More than one X-ray may be taken from different angles toprovide as muchinformation as possible
Theprocedure will usually only take a few minutes.
ContrastX-rays
In some cases, asubstance called a contrast agent may be given before an X-ray is carried out. This can help show soft tissues more clearly on the X-ray.
Types of X-rays involving a contrast agent include:
- barium swallow a substance called barium is swallowedtohelp highlight the upper digestive system
- barium enema barium is passed into your bowel through your bottom
- angiography iodine is injected into a blood vessel to highlight the heart and blood vessels
- intravenous urogram (IVU) iodine is injected into a blood vesselto highlight thekidneys and bladder
These types of X-rays may need special preparation beforehand and will usually take longer to carry out.Your appointment letter will mention anything you need to do to prepare.
Articles for X Ray
Are X-rays safe?
People are often concerned about being exposed to radiation during an X-ray. However,the part of your body being examined will only be exposed to a low level of radiationfor a fraction of a second. G
Having an X-ray
Duringan X-ray, you'll usually be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surfacesothat the part of your body being examinedcan be positioned in the right place. The X-ray machine, which look
How X-rays work
X-rays are a type of Radiation that can pass throughthe body. They can't be seen by the naked eye and you can't feel them. Asthey pass throughthe body, the energy from X-raysis absorbed at different
Introduction
Read about how X-rays work, why they're used, what happens before, during and after an X-ray, and what the risks are.
Preparing for an X-ray
You don't usually need to do anything special to prepare for an X-ray. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand and can continue taking your usual medications. However, you may need to stop taking
What happens after an X-ray
You won't experience any after effects from a standard X-ray and will be able to go home shortly afterwards. You canreturn toyour normal activities straight away. You may have some temporary side eff
When X-rays are used
X-rays can be used to examine most areas of the body. They're mainly used to look at the bones and joints, although they're sometimes used to detect problems affecting soft tissue, such as internal or