X-rays are commonly used to determine the presence or absence of disease, bone or joint abnormalities, bone fractures, demonstrate pathology, detect foreign objects in the body, and demonstrate relationships between bone and tissue or to check internal organs such as heart and lungs. The most frequently performed exam is a chest x-ray.

An x-ray image (also known as radiograph) is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through a body part and is recorded on film or computer to produce a black and white anatomical image. Areas that are more difficult for x-rays to penetrate such as bone appear white on the image and areas that x-rays penetrate more easily such as lungs or other areas filled with air appear black. Soft tissue, vessels and organs appear as various shades of grey on the x ray image depending on their composition.

X-ray uses ionizing radiation. Qualified radiologic technologists are trained in radiation safety and protection and use techniques utilizing the minimal dose to achieve optimal results. Lead aprons and shields are used for adequate shielding. All examinations performed are well within permissible levels of diagnostic radiation dosage. If your physician has referred you for an x-ray, he/she has decided that its value outweigh any risk. On some occasions extra views of an area may be required to better demonstrate anatomy or pathology.

For a routine x-ray examination, no preparation is required. The average x-ray study takes approx 15-20 minutes to complete.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, be sure to inform your physician and the technologist prior to the start of the x-ray examination. Most examinations using x-ray will not be performed on pregnant women unless the benefits of the examination outweigh the risks of radiation exposure to the fetus. 

In many cases wearing a patient gown is necessary because many items (e.g. coins, keys zippers buttons, wallets cards etc) can show up on your x-ray and obscure or cover pertinent information.

The medical radiologic technologist will escort you to a dressing room where you will be given a patient gown, if necessary, and you will be asked to remove specific articles of your clothing that may interfere with the exam to ensure that the x-ray is free of artifacts (e.g. material from your clothing, zippers, snaps, buttons, clips, jewelry metal objects etc.). You will then be taken to the x-ray room where you be asked by the technologist to stand, sit or be positioned on an x-ray table based on the type of exam your physician has requested. After the technologist has completed taking your x-rays, you may be asked to wait in the x-ray room while your images are reviewed for diagnostic quality. Additional images are occasionally required to ensure the examination completely demonstrates the area in clinical question.

A radiologist specialized in the imaging and diagnosis of disease will review the x-ray images and prepare a written report that is sent to your referring physician. Your physician will consider this information in context of your overall care and discuss the results with you.