X-Ray

 

What is an X-Ray?

 X-rays are generated by an electrical current that passes through an X-ray tube that produces a beam of ionizing radiation that passes through the body part being examined.  This creates an image of internal body structures called a radiograph.  X-ray’s can be taken of many body parts including:

• Chest and Ribs
• Spine, Neck, Shoulders and Clavicles
• Pelvis and Hips
• Elbows and Knees
• Hand, Wrist, Forearm, Humerus
• Foot, Ankle, Lower Leg, Femur
• Abdomen
• Facial Bones

 

Prep: 

There is no preparation for this exam.

 

What to expect: 

The patient is positioned against a cassette holding the film.  A lead shield is placed over other parts of the body to limit unnecessary exposure to X-ray radiation.  Once the X-ray unit is aligned over the body part being examined the technician will step away to activate the X-ray unit.  It is important that the patient remain as still as possible during the exam to prevent a blurry image.