The x-ray is the oldest and most familiar form of medical imaging, and it remains one of the most useful. Quick, comfortable and widely available, x-rays are often the first step in understanding what is going on inside the body, from a suspected broken bone to a chest complaint. If you have been referred for one, there is very little to it, but knowing what an x-ray is, what it is used for, and what happens on the day can still be reassuring. Understanding how the small amount of radiation involved is managed also helps put any concerns into perspective before your appointment.
What an X-Ray Is
As healthdirect explains, an x-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create an image of the structures inside the body, and it is used to diagnose disease and injury.
As x-ray beams pass through the body, they are absorbed to different degrees by different tissues. Dense structures such as bone absorb more and appear white on the image, while softer tissues and air appear in shades of grey and black.
This simple principle produces the clear, familiar images that make x-rays so useful for looking at bones and the chest, among many other things. X-ray imaging is also known as radiography, and it is quick to perform.
This is part of why x-rays have remained a mainstay of medical imaging for well over a century. They are fast, widely available and well suited to a great many everyday questions, from an injury to a nagging cough.
What X-Rays Are Used For
X-rays have an enormous range of uses. They are perhaps best known for detecting broken bones and dislocations, and for assessing bone and joint conditions such as arthritis, which is one of their most common everyday roles.
They are also widely used to look at the chest, helping to investigate the lungs and heart, and can reveal conditions such as pneumonia. A panoramic dental x-ray, or OPG, is another type, giving a broad view of the teeth and jaws in a single image.
Some x-ray examinations use a contrast dye, swallowed or injected, to make particular structures such as the bowel or blood vessels show up more clearly. The type of x-ray depends entirely on what your doctor needs to investigate.
Whatever the reason, an x-ray is almost always requested by a doctor for a specific purpose, so if you are unsure why one has been recommended, your referring doctor can explain what they are hoping the image will show.
What Happens During an X-Ray
An x-ray is quick and comfortable. Depending on the part of the body being examined, you will be asked to sit, stand or lie down, and to hold still for a moment while the image is taken, sometimes holding your breath briefly.
A radiographer, the health professional trained to perform imaging, positions you and the equipment carefully to capture the right view. Sometimes more than one image is taken from different angles to give a complete picture.
A protective apron may be used to shield parts of the body that are not being imaged. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes, and there is no recovery time, so you can go about your day straight afterwards.
Radiation and Safety
The amount of radiation involved in a plain x-ray is very small, comparable to the natural background radiation we are all exposed to over a short period in everyday life. For most people, the benefit of the information greatly outweighs this small risk.
Radiographers are trained to use the smallest amount of radiation needed to produce a clear image, and x-rays are only performed when a doctor considers them necessary for diagnosis or treatment.
It is important to tell the clinic if you are, or might be, pregnant, as x-rays of certain areas are usually avoided during pregnancy. Your doctor can discuss any concerns and consider whether another test without radiation might be suitable.
X-Ray Imaging in Albury
For people across Albury, Wodonga and the wider Border region referred for an x-ray, the reassuring news is that it is one of the quickest and simplest imaging tests there is.
Providing general x-ray imaging, the team uses careful technique to capture clear images with the smallest necessary dose, and aims to make the appointment quick, comfortable and straightforward.
An x-ray is a fast, comfortable and dependable way to gather important information about what is happening inside the body, and there is very little you need to do other than turn up and follow a few simple instructions.
The Takeaway
An x-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create images of the structures inside the body, with dense tissues like bone appearing white and softer tissues in shades of grey. X-rays are used for everything from broken bones and joint conditions to chest and dental imaging. The process is quick and comfortable: you hold still while a radiographer captures the image, usually in just a few minutes. The radiation dose is very small and used only when necessary, though it is important to mention if you may be pregnant. Border Radiology Specialists provides general x-ray imaging in Albury with careful, low-dose technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an x-ray used for?
X-rays have a wide range of uses. They are best known for detecting broken bones and dislocations and assessing joint conditions such as arthritis. They are also widely used to examine the chest, helping investigate the lungs and heart, and a panoramic dental x-ray, or OPG, gives a broad view of the teeth and jaws. Your doctor chooses the type based on what needs investigating.
Does an x-ray hurt?
No, an x-ray does not cause any pain. Depending on the area being imaged, you will be asked to sit, stand or lie down and to hold still for a moment while the image is taken, sometimes holding your breath briefly. The process usually takes only a few minutes, and there is no recovery time, so you can carry on with your day.
How much radiation is in an x-ray?
The amount of radiation in a plain x-ray is very small, comparable to the natural background radiation we are all exposed to over a short period in everyday life. Radiographers use the smallest dose needed for a clear image, and x-rays are only performed when a doctor considers them necessary, so the benefit outweighs the small risk.
Are x-rays safe during pregnancy?
X-rays of certain areas are usually avoided during pregnancy as a precaution, since they use radiation. It is important to tell the clinic if you are, or might be, pregnant. Your doctor can then discuss any concerns, weigh up whether the x-ray is necessary, and consider whether another test that does not use radiation might be suitable instead.
How long does an x-ray take?
An x-ray is very quick, usually taking only a few minutes. Most of that time is spent positioning you and the equipment to capture the right view, and sometimes more than one image is taken from different angles. There is no recovery time afterwards, so you can go about your normal day as soon as the x-ray is finished.
This blog is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient’s health needs are unique. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for advice specific to your situation. Border Radiology Specialists encourages all patients to discuss any imaging referral with their doctor or a qualified health practitioner.