X-ray imaging guide
http://www.allieddiagnostics.net/patient-guides/x-ray-imaging-guide/
Allied Diagnostics chooses digital x-rays machines that have the best flexibility and dose reducing features.
How do I need to prepare for my x-ray?
No preparation is required unless you are having a special x-ray examination such as an intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
What can I expect during my x-ray examination?
Before your x-ray, you may be asked to change into an examination gown and to remove any metal from your body (e.g. eyeglasses, jewelry and watches). Next, you will be taken into the x-ray suite and positioned on an examination table or between a metal box and an apparatus that contains the x-ray tubes.
Once you are in position, the technologist will stand behind a radiation protection screen and may ask you to hold your breath if x-rays are taken of the chest. Holding your breath is very important because motion of the lungs during regular breathing can blur the images. The Allied Diagnostics technologist may ask you to change position to allow imaging from different viewpoints.
After the x-rays have been taken, they will be briefly reviewed by the radiologist to make sure that more images are not needed. You will then be asked to change back into your clothes.
After the radiologist has studied your x-ray digital images in more detail, a report will be sent to your referring physician, who will discuss these results with you and determine a course of action.
Are x-rays safe?
Because x-ray studies involve radiation, special care will be taken to shield your body from scatter radiation with a lead apron. Today’s x-ray machines and film only need minimal amounts of radiation to produce a clear, detailed image. Because the radiation is highly controlled and targeted, damage to the cells of the body is very unlikely. The dose of radiation from a standard x-ray is the same amount of radiation that the average person receives from 10 days of naturally occurring background radiation.
What are the limitations of x-rays?
Standard x-rays do not always detect disease, especially those of the lungs. Sometimes tumors have to grow very large before they are seen on x-ray. Instead of using regular x-rays to image the chest, some physicians request computed tomography (CT) scans. CT scans show detailed views of ‘slices’ of the body, not just images from the front, back, and sides, as with standard x-rays. Please see the section on the Allied Diagnostics website to understand more about CT scans.
When will I get the results?
The results of your scan will be sent to your referring physician within 24 hours of your exam. Your report and images will include a summary of the radiologist’s findings and recommendations for further follow-up.
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