Alternate Names: Radiography
How Performed: The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office by an X-ray technologist. The positioning of the X-ray machine depends on the film being taken. You hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. You may be asked to change position for additional pictures.
How To Prepare: Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant, have an IUD inserted, or have had a barium contrast media X-ray in the last 4 days.
If you have taken any medications such as Pepto Bismol (which contains bismuth) within 4 days mention it to the health care provider, because they may interfere with the test.
You will remove all jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the X-ray procedure. You must sign an informed consent form.
How It Feels: There is no discomfort.
Risks: There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray. Women should make the health care provider aware of suspected pregnancy.
For additional information regarding why the test is performed and normal and abnormal results, please see the specific X-ray topics:
