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X-RAY
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
What
is x-ray imaging and how does it work?
What is it like to have an x-ray?
How do I prepare for a an x-ray?
How do I make an appointment?
What
is VCUG and how can I prepare my child for this exam?
Referral
information for physicians.
Additional
information on X-rays.
What
is x-ray imaging and how does it work?
X-ray
imaging uses x-ray waves, a form of energy that can pass through
the body. These energy waves are used to create an image on a computer
screen. They are used to look at conditions in nearly every part
of the body.
Because
x-rays pass through different types of body tissues at different
rates, they can be used to create detailed images of different types
of tissues. For example, bones show up as white images on the film,
air-filled tissues are shown as dark areas, and fat, cartilage,
blood, and muscle produce show up as various shades of grey.
Your
doctor may order an x-ray for many reasons. A few types of x-ray
exams are:
- Bone
x-rays - can show broken bones
- Chest
x-rays - show the heart and lungs
- Lower
GI Series - looks at the colon and intestines. A barium enema
is used as a contrast agent
- Upper
GI Series - shows the throat and stomach. Barium is taken orally
as a contrast agent
- Spine
x-rays - show the backbones and central nervous system
- Musculoskeletal
x-rays - show problems in bones and muscles
X-rays
are a form of ionizing radiation, which means they create ions which
could damage cells. Fortunately, today's x-ray machines only use
small amounts of radiation because they use computers that help
define the image. Studies have shown that the benefits of x-ray
greatly outweigh the risks of radiation exposure, even when you
have many x-ray exams. Even so, we make sure that we limit your
radiation exposure by giving you a lead apron to wear that protects
the sensitive organs of the reproductive system, and by avoiding
x-rays on pregnant women.
What
is it like to have an x-ray?
You'll
be asked to stand, sit, or lie near a movable x-ray generator and
a digital recording plate. The technologist will help position you
so the doctor will have the best view of the body. They may give
you a lead apron to wear and will position the machine. Then they
will go to a booth to begin the test. You'll need to stay still
and hold your breath for the moment that the x-ray photograph is
being taken (the technologist will let you know what to do). Usually
at least two different images are taken.
The
exam can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending
on the reason you are having the test done. Afterwards, you can
dress and return to your normal routine. The radiologist, a doctor,
will examine the x-rays and share this information with your doctor.
In
some cases, a substance called a contrast agent is used to help
see areas that normally couldn't be easily seen on an x-ray. The
contrast agent is usually made with barium or iodine It mat be given
orally, intravenously, or via enema. While x-rays are painless,
there can be discomfort associated with contrast agents. Some patients
find taking a contrast agent orally or by enema unpleasant. After
a procedure involving contrast agents, patients may need to use
laxatives and drink extra fluids.
Tell
your doctor if you are allergic to barium, iodine, or shellfish
before having an x-ray that involves a contrast agent.
How should I prepare?
You
will not have to do anything special for most x-ray exams, but if
you are having an exam using a contrast agent, you may need to change
the way you eat the day before or the day of the test. Your doctor
can tell you if you need to change the way you eat, drink, or take
your medicines to prepare.
You'll
be asked to undress the part of your body to be examined when you
arrive, and you may not want to wear jewelry and other metal objects.
How
do I make an appointment?
You,
or your doctor's office, can make an appointment by calling our
central scheduling office:
Central
Scheduling: 617-665-1298
To
schedule an appointment, you must have a referral order from a primary
care physician.
What
is VCUG and how can I prepare my child for this exam?
________________________________
Referral
information for physicians
You
can make a referral for your patients by calling:
Central
Scheduling: 617-665-1298
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