X ray how does it work

X-rays expose you to a small amount of radiation — about the amount you get from a cross-country flight. The amount of radiation in an X-ray is too small to cause you any harm.

Radiation in large doses can cause cancer and birth defects. Inform the doctor if you are or may be pregnant. The radiologist will promptly review your images and communicate directly with your referring doctor, who in turn will discuss the results with you. If you have further questions about this diagnostic test, contact the doctor that ordered the test or visit Radiologyinfo. The radiographer may shield parts of your body with a lead apron. This is to reduce the risk of unnecessary exposure to radiation.

The radiographer will need to touch you to position your body correctly for each picture. The radiographer operates the controls while each image is taken. To do this, they will stand behind a screen and call instructions to you if necessary.

A straightforward conventional x-ray examination, of the hand for example, usually takes a few minutes. Other types of x-ray examination may take longer. Immediately after an x-ray After the x-ray you can get dressed if you changed out of your clothes and wait for further instructions. Complications from x-ray examinations An x-ray examination is a painless and non-invasive procedure.

Taking care of yourself at home after an x-ray examination A conventional x-ray examination does not require any recovery time. Alternatives to x-ray examination Depending on the medical condition, alternatives to x-ray examinations may include: ultrasound — the use of sound waves to create a picture of internal body structures magnetic resonance imaging MRI — the combination of a magnetic field and radio waves to produce three-dimensional pictures computed tomography scan CT scan — the use of x-rays and digital computer technology to create three-dimensional pictures bone density testing — a procedure to determine bone strength.

A range of medical procedures is available. X-ray , Healthcare Imaging Services. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all medical tests. Related information. Radiology Info US. Content disclaimer Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Reviewed on: Dec 10, Mariam Oct 13, Who is the author of this article and when was it published?

I really need that information because I'm doing a research project and need to create MLA citations. Oct 21, So x-rays' radiation travels through the air to reach the skin and passes through the soft tissues and organs then reach the bones which absorb the energy causing the x-ray to capture an image of the bones?? Sep 23, A little gamer Dec 3, Jan 9, You're welcome, Wonder Friend!

Lab Finder Jul 26, This is a great article about x-ray and how does it work! If you to get tested and book an x-ray test online, just visit labfinder. Aug 6, Maryn Apr 9, Apr 11, Ash Mar 20, So I get that x-rays can pass through the body, but how? Mar 20, Apr 6, The person who discovered the X-ray can be found in paragraphs "In , German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen made an important discovery while experimenting with electron beams in a special tube.

Adam Apr 18, Apr 19, Sorry to hear that, Adam. What's on your mind? James Mar 4, I'm sorry, but there is a mistake in your article. I'm a teacher and discovered students accessing your site for a project on X-rays, but you're providing incorrect information.

X-Rays are a form of light energy , but electrons are matter they have mass. Your article says that an X-ray machine "creates a beam of electrons called X-ray photons". A cathode ray beam of electrons is used INSIDE the machine, but the X-rays are created when the cathode ray hits a metal plate which absorbs the energy of the electrons, and then gives off high energy light: X-rays.

There is NOT a beam of electrons being directed at a person when they're getting an x-ray. The x-ray beam is ONLY a form of light that our eyes can't see. Please correct this! Mar 9, Katy Feb 3, How can I read an xray? I just had a CT for my sinus infection and I saw the image but didn't really understand the locations of the structure.

Feb 6, Nov 2, FaZeshoy Oct 25, Oct 26, They're a great invention, FaZeshoy! Lee Oct 25, Hello there, Lee! Oct 25, Welcome back, jovanni! Oct 24, Nobody cares that you're a youtuber. Thank you for sharing vanoss! There's a lot to explore on YouTube! Ryan Apr 3, Judging by the comments, design and content I'm assuming this site is targeted towards kids which I think is great so I understand a lot of detail is probably not the best.

However as a student of Radiation Science I must say a portion of this explanation is a little misleading. Where it says "To produce an X-ray picture, an X-ray machine produces a very concentrated beam of electrons onto a metal film.

The beam travels through the air until it comes in contact with our body tissues. But this is not the case. Really the electron beam hits the film inside the machine causing x-rays to be created which then leave the machine and it's the x-rays that interact with the tissue to create the picture.

May 18, Apr 20, Tori Mar 23, Mar 23, Hi, Tori! We hope you learned lots of new things from this Wonder! A detector on the other side of the body picks up the X-rays after they've passed through and turns them into an image. Dense parts of your body that X-rays find it more difficult to pass through, such as bone, show up as clear white areas on the image.

Softer parts that X-rays can pass through more easily, such as your heart and lungs, show up as darker areas. X-rays can be used to examine most areas of the body. They're mainly used to look at the bones and joints, although they're sometimes used to detect problems affecting soft tissue, such as internal organs. X-rays can also be used to guide doctors or surgeons during certain procedures.

For example, during a coronary angioplasty — a procedure to widen narrowed arteries near the heart — X-rays can be used to help guide a catheter a long, thin, flexible tube along one of your arteries. You don't usually need to do anything special to prepare for an X-ray. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand and can continue taking your usual medications.

However, you may need to stop taking certain medications and avoid eating and drinking for a few hours if you're having an X-ray that uses a contrast agent see contrast X-rays below. For all X-rays, you should let the hospital know if you're pregnant. X-rays aren't usually recommended if you're pregnant unless it's an emergency.

It's a good idea to wear loose comfortable clothes, as you may be able to wear these during the X-ray. Try to avoid wearing jewellery and clothes containing metal such as zips , as these will need to be removed.