What to Expect When Undergoing This Test
An X-ray, also known asradiography, is a medical imaging technique.
It uses tiny amounts of electromagnetic radiation to create images of structures inside the body.
These images can then be viewed on film or digitally.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
This article explains when X-rays are used, how to prepare for one, and what to expect.
It also covers the risks and benefits of the imaging test.
What Is Electromagnetic Radiation?
Sometimes acontrast medium, a bang out of dye, is given to help images appear in greater detail.
You might receive these via injection into a blood vessel, orally, or rectally.
X-ray images appear in various shades of white and grey.
When It’s Used
X-ray technology is used for a multitude of purposes.
For example, it can help healthcare providers evaluate symptoms and diagnose injuries.
Among the most common reasons for X-rays include:
This technology can also support other types of diagnostic procedures.
Fluoroscopy
Duringfluoroscopy, an X-ray image displays on a monitor in real time.
Unlike X-ray images, which are still pictures, fluoroscopy is a moving image.
They can also view the contrast agent passing through the body.
These slices are then combined to show a three-dimensional visualization.
Mammography
Amammogramis a breast cancer screening test that uses X-ray imaging.
Mammograms can also diagnose breast lumps and other breast changes.
During a mammogram, your breasts are placed one at a time between two plates.
A technician then presses them together to flatten your breast to get a clear picture.
Finally, they X-ray your breasts from the front and sides.
Arthrogram
Arthrographyallows healthcare providers to identify signs of joint changes that indicate arthritis.
It uses an X-ray and a special contrast dye injected directly into the joint.
Risks
Having an X-ray doesn’t hurt and isn’t particularly dangerous.
However, there are a few things to be aware of and discuss with your healthcare provider.
Radiation Exposure
Having frequent X-rays carries a very low risk of developing cancer later in life.
That is because the radiation has enough energy to potentially damageDNA.
There are varying estimates as to how significant this risk is.
Studies have shown that those withfemale reproductive organsare at a somewhat higher lifetime risk for developing radiation-associated cancer.
It is not understood why this occurs.
Ask if the imaging study will make an impact on your care.
If not, it may be advisable to skip the test.
Barium sulfatecontrast materials are perfectly safe for most people.
These include:
Iodine Risks
Iodine is another contrast medium used for X-rays.
Contraindications
Pregnant peopleare usually discouraged from having an X-ray unless it’s vital.
The risk of harm depends on a fetus’s gestational age and the amount of radiation exposure.
That said, this recommendation is mainly precautionary.
Therefore, the benefits of what an X-ray could reveal often outweigh any risks.
X-rays also complement specific routine exams,such as dental checkups.
These types of X-rays usually take place in a medical office or the hospital.
Other times, a healthcare provider recommends screening X-rays, like mammograms, at regular intervals.
These are often performed at imaging centers or hospitals by appointment.
The setting in which you get an X-ray and its reasons will determine your overall testing experience.
Timing
It’s impossible to generalize how long an entire X-ray procedure will take.
On the other hand, a CT scan appointment can take longer.
For some procedures that involve X-ray imaging, you’ll need to wear a hospital gown.
Therefore, you may want to choose clothing that’s easy to change in and out of.
For example, healthcare providers use barium to highlight structures in thedigestive system.
Therefore, they may tell you not to eat for at least three hours before your appointment.
People with diabetes are usually advised to eat a light meal three hours before receiving barium.
However, suppose you receive the barium via an enema (a tube inserted into the rectum).
Cost and Health Insurance
Most health insurance policies will cover any medically necessary X-ray imaging.
Of course, out-of-pocket costs vary and depend on the key in of plan you have.
Check with your insurance company to learn the specifics of your plan.
Doing so can help you know the cost you’re obligated to pay.
What to Bring
You will need to have your insurance card with you at your X-ray.
During the Test
Because X-ray procedures vary widely, it isn’t easy to generalize the experience.
So instead, ask your healthcare provider for details about what to expect in your specific case.
Pre-Test
You may need to remove some or all of your clothing before the X-ray.
There will probably be a locker where you might safely store your clothing and other belongings.
If you have a test involving a contrast dye, you will receive that before your imaging procedure.
If you have a barium enema, you may feel abdominal fullness and urgency to expel the liquid.
However, the mild discomfort will not last long.
A conventional X-ray is taken in a special room with an X-ray machine.
During the test, you will:
Once positioned correctly, you will need to be very still.
That’s because even slight movement can cause an X-ray image to come out blurry.
A technician may even ask you to hold your breath.
Infants and young children may need support being still.
It only takes a few seconds to take the picture.
However, often multiple angles of the body part are necessary.
The barium-based dye comes out in your bowel movements, which will be white for a few days.
You also may notice changes in your bowel movement patterns for 12 to 24 hours after your X-ray.
Barium Side Effects
Barium contrast materials can cause some digestive tract problems.
If these become severe or don’t go away, see your healthcare provider.
Let your healthcare provider know if you begin to have even mild symptoms after receiving iodine contrast.
They then send the results and a report to your healthcare provider.
Often, they will call you or have you come in to discuss the findings.
In emergencies, you should receive these results soon after your X-ray.
Any follow-up tests or treatment will depend on your particular situation.
In addition to conventional X-rays, several other specialized forms of X-rays capture images in more precise ways.
Sometimes a contrast agent can help healthcare providers see things better.
These dyes might be given via injection, IV, orally, or rectally.
X-rays don’t typically require preparation unless you are receiving contrast.
In that case, you may need to avoid food and drinks for a few hours beforehand.
X-rays do not take longusually just a few minutes.
Often, a technician takes multiple angles and images of the area.
Afterward, you will be able to leave right away.
If you received contrast, you might notice side effects.
You should tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you experience.
A Word From Verywell
For the majority of people, X-rays are harmless.
And if you are or could be pregnant, tell the technician before undergoing the procedure.
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