X-ray
What is it?
X-rays use a small amount of radiation to take internal images of the body of film like a camera. Our radiologists have advanced X-ray and fluoroscopy technology that provide diagnostic assistance for a wide range of film imaging.
Uses
Diagnosing broken bones, pneumonia, etc. Mammograms are a common type of X-ray used to help diagnose breast cancer.
What happens
You may be asked to lie still on an X-ray table or sit or stand by the table. You may wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body.
What you need to know
- Procedures vary according to the purpose of the x-ray.
- For instance, an X-ray of your large intestine is taken in conjunction with a barium enema. Preparations for this exam differ from an Upper GI Series, which involves imaging the esophagus, stomach, and a portion of the small intestines, during which you're asked to sip a barium "cocktail". For an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), an injected "contrast medium" is used to highlight areas of the kidneys, ureters, and the urinary bladder.
- The length of time for each of these examinations can vary from 45 minutes to an hour.