Table of Contents:
- What is radiography?
- What is radiography?
- Why is it performed?
- How to prepare for the x-ray
- What does the test feel like?
- What abnormal results mean
What is an x-ray?
An x-ray is an imaging technique used to obtain images of tissues, organs, and bones inside the human body. The medical specialty that deals with this test is radiology, which can have diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Although the radiologist and the medical radiology technician are two specialists who work closely together, they are two distinct professional figures.
The radiologist analyzes and interprets images and treats patients with radioactive materials. In contrast, the radiology technologist works with tools, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI and ultrasound.
What does the X-ray consist of?
It is a test that is performed quickly and painlessly, with the objective of generating images of the internal structures of the body, especially the bones.
X-rays are quick tests
to visualize the bones
Why is it performed?
Radiographic technology is used to examine different parts of the body in order to diagnose injuries, illnesses and diseases in patients. Some of the injuries that can be diagnosed by this test are the following:
- Bone injuries: fractures and infections, bone cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis.
- Diseases of the chest: lung infections, obstruction of blood vessels, breast cancer, enlarged heart.
- Abdominal pathologies: digestive tract problems, swallowed objects.
X-ray preparation
The preparation prior to performing an X-ray depends on the type of X-ray to be performed. In any case, it is important for the patient to remove jewelry and any metal objects, as well as to undress the part of the body that needs to be X-rayed.
In some specific cases, it may be necessary for the patient to take a contrast medium, such as iodine or barium, which help to highlight specific areas of the body.
What does the examination feel like?
An X-ray machine with a high level of radiation safety is used to perform the X-ray. In this way, the patient cannot feel the X-rays.
In any case, during the examination, the patient must remain still and, in some cases, must hold his or her breath to avoid generating a blurred image.
Finally, in most cases, after the X-ray, the patient can resume his or her activities, since X-rays usually have no side effects. It is advisable not to perform X-rays often, since a high dose of radiation has to be endured.
Significance of abnormal results
After the X-ray, the radiologist interprets the results and sends a report to the physician for explanation to the patient. In the event that the radiologist observes irregularities in the results, the specialist physician will be responsible for immediate analysis.