General X-Ray

X-rays are generally done to examine bones, joints, lungs and abdomen. These examinations involve safe amount of radiation exposure of the part to be examined. The radiographs are pictures taken on an X-ray film. The image is analyzed by the radiologist and a report is given to the physician who asked for it. As radiation can be harmful to a fetus it is important to let the X-Ray technologist know if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

Indications.

• X-rays are done to examine the bones of the extremity, skull and spinal column for fractures. When cancer or infection invades the bone, x-ray may be the first step towards diagnosis.
• The vertebrae in the spinal column are examined for fractures, arthritis, or spine deformities such as scoliosis. The referring doctor decides which part of the spinal canal requires imaging: the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine.
• Pelvis x-rays can show signs of arthritis in the sacroiliac joints in the lower back. Occasionally pelvic X-rays are taken for back pain.
• Chest X-ray is often obtained for symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis (blood in the sputum), fever and chest pain. It is also done as part of an annual examination which your doctor may deem necessary especially if you are a smoker.
• VISA Chest X-ray.
• Bone age in children and adolescents where skeletal maturity is being questioned, as the child is too short or too tall.
• Skeletal survey where multiple bones/ joints are examined for osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple myeloma or metastasis.

Patient Preparation.
For these x-rays, you will be asked to remove jewelry, bra and other metallic objects on you, and to wear a hospital gown. You should tell the x-ray technicians if you might be pregnant.

Procedure.
These x-rays may be taken with you standing up or lying down — the x-ray technician will help position you against the film (which looks like a large board) so that the clearest pictures may be obtained. Usually pictures from both a front view and a side view are taken. The technician will leave the room or stand behind a screen while he or she controls the x-ray camera.