X-Ray

What Is an X-ray?

An X-ray, also known as a radiographic exam, gives doctors a view of the body’s internal structure and organs.  X-ray machines cast photons into the body, and a computer captures images of the body as it is lit up by the electromagnetic radiation.  Dense structures like bone essentially block X-ray particles and show up as white, opaque matter on the X-ray images.  Similarly, metal objects and contrast dyes also show up as white.  Structures filled with air appear black, while muscle, fat, and fluid all appear in various shades of gray.   

The procedure is painless, so no anesthesia is necessary.  Patients should inform their doctor if they are (or could be) pregnant or if they are wearing an IUD prior to the X-ray procedure.  The patient must remove all jewelry and clothing and put on a hospital gown for the procedure.  The X-ray technologist positions the patient and adjusts the machine and film according to the area of study.  Even the slightest motion creates blurry images, so patients are often told to hold their breath for the duration of the exposure, which usually lasts for 1 or seconds.