RadiologyInfo.org
The Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology hosts information about specialized types of X-ray exams and X-ray safety.
X-rays provide your doctor with pictures of the inside of your body, including bones and some soft tissues. Doctors use these valuable images to diagnose a wide variety of conditions.
You may need an X-ray to diagnose a health problem ranging from a simple broken bone to internal bleeding or a heart condition.
An X-ray technologist will take clear, detailed images and keep you comfortable throughout the process. A radiologist (a doctor who specializes in imaging) will examine your X-rays and work closely with your other doctors to diagnose the problem.
X-Ray Services
Specific X-ray services you might have include:
- Bone X-ray – Checks for fractures, dislocations, bone fragments and arthritis.
- Chest X-ray – Checks for pneumonia, emphysema, heart failure and lung cancer.
- Upper GI X-ray – Checks for ulcers, tumors, blockages and other conditions. For this x-ray, you'll need to drink a harmless contrast agent (barium) to highlight your stomach and other parts of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Lower GI X-ray – Checks for benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors and inflammatory bowel disease. For this x-ray, you must have an enema with a contrast agent (barium) to highlight your colon and other parts of your lower GI tract.
What to Expect When You Need an X-ray
You may need an X-ray to diagnose a health problem ranging from a simple broken bone to internal bleeding or a heart condition.
An X-ray technologist will take clear, detailed images and keep you comfortable throughout the process. A radiologist (a doctor who specializes in imaging) will examine your X-rays and work closely with your other doctors to diagnose the problem.
X-Ray Services
Specific X-ray services you might have include:
- Bone X-ray – Checks for fractures, dislocations, bone fragments and arthritis.
- Chest X-ray – Checks for pneumonia, emphysema, heart failure and lung cancer.
- Upper GI X-ray – Checks for ulcers, tumors, blockages and other conditions. For this x-ray, you'll need to drink a harmless contrast agent (barium) to highlight your stomach and other parts of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Lower GI X-ray – Checks for benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors and inflammatory bowel disease. For this x-ray, you must have an enema with a contrast agent (barium) to highlight your colon and other parts of your lower GI tract.
MedlinePlus
The National Institutes of Health website features an overview of X-ray imaging technology and information about specific types of X-ray exams.
Resources
RadiologyInfo.org
The Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology hosts information about specialized types of X-ray exams and X-ray safety.
MedlinePlus
The National Institutes of Health website features an overview of X-ray imaging technology and information about specific types of X-ray exams.
