X-rays

1. What is an X-ray examination?

An x-ray examination is a painless and safe examination, which uses small amounts of electromagnetic radiation to take an image of a certain body part. During the examination, an x-ray of beam which is just a high energy light goes through the body part and an image is produced on a film or the computer screen. The image produced will be black and white.

An x-ray image of an abdomen

An image of a chest x-ray

2. Why is the x-ray performed?

An x-ray is performed as it may show vital organs depending on the body part. For example a chest x-ray shows the heart, lungs, bones, diaphragm and soft tissue. Metal and foreign objects can also be seen on an x-ray image.

Frequently in kids, should they accidentally swallow an object (e.g. coins), the doctors would request for an x-ray as it may show the position of the object in the body. Other uses of x-rays are for diagnosing broken bones, dislocations and joint conditions.

3. How long does an x-ray examination take?

Usually depending on how many images are taken and the type of body part, the examination should not take too long. Expected time would be 10-15 minutes more or less depending on the images and if the patient is cooperative.

4. Is there any preparation needed before the examination?

No, there is no preparation needed prior to the examination, however, if there are films from previous x-rays of the certain body part, it is advisable to bring them along. Prior before the examination, if there is metal in a certain piece of clothing at the area of interest of the body part, the radiographer would ask for it to be removed or changed into a hospital gown. This is to make sure no metal objects will be blocking and disrupting the area of interest.

5. What happens after an X-ray examination?

Depending on the severity of the case, you will be able to continue your daily activities and return to the referring doctor after an appointment is made