X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines sends are individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created.
Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black, and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
Alternative NamesRadiography
How the test is performedThe 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 patient, x-ray machine, and film depends on the type of study and area of interest. Multiple individual views may be requested.
Much like conventional Photography, motion causes blurry images on radiographs, and thus, patients may be asked to hold their breath or not move during the brief exposure (about 1 second).
How to prepare for the testInform the health care provider prior to the exam if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have an IUD inserted.
If abdominal studies are planned and you have had a barium contrast study (such as a barium enema, upper GI series, or barium swallow) or taken medications containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) in the last 4 days, the test may be delayed until the contrast has fully passed.
You will remove all jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the x-ray examination because metal and certain clothing can obscure the images and require repeat studies.
How the test will feelThere is no discomfort from x-ray exposure. Patients may be asked to stay still in awkward positions for a short period of time.
What the risks areFor most conventional x-rays, the risk of cancer or defects due to damaged ovarian cells or sperm cells is very low. Most experts feel that this low risk is largely outweighed by the benefits of information gained from appropriate imaging. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image.
Young children and fetuses are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays. Women should tell health care providers if they think they are pregnant.
For additional information regarding why the test is performed and normal and abnormal results, please see the specific x-ray topics:
Mettler FA. Introduction: an approach to image interpretation. In: Mettler FA, ed. Essentials of Radiology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 1.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines sends individual x-ray particles through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created.
Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black, and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
Alternative NamesRadiography
How the test is performedThe 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 patient, x-ray machine, and film depends on the type of study and area of interest. Multiple individual views may be requested.
Much like conventional photography, motion causes blurry images on radiographs, and thus, patients may be asked to hold their breath or not move during the brief exposure (about 1 second).
How to prepare for the testInform the health care provider prior to the exam if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have an IUD inserted.
If abdominal studies are planned and you have had a barium contrast study (such as a barium enema, upper GI series, or barium swallow) or taken medications containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) in the last 4 days, the test may be delayed until the contrast has fully passed.
You will remove all jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the x-ray examination because metal and certain clothing can obscure the images and require repeat studies.
How the test will feelThere is no discomfort from x-ray exposure. Patients may be asked to stay still in awkward positions for a short period of time.
What the risks areFor most conventional x-rays, the risk of cancer or defects due to damaged ovarian cells or sperm cells is very low. Most experts feel that this low risk is largely outweighed by the benefits of information gained from appropriate imaging. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image.
Young children and fetuses are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays. Women should tell health care providers if they think they are pregnant.
For additional information regarding why the test is performed and normal and abnormal results, please see the specific x-ray topics:
Mettler FA. Introduction: an approach to image interpretation. In: Mettler FA, ed. Essentials of Radiology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 1.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/05/2010
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previoiusly reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine (8/5/2010).
There is no antonym. An xray is a wavelength. There is no opposite.
when taking a dental xray how do u make it appear on the xray more darker in color?
had a chest xray, there was a shadow over my heart what is it
You should check out RC XRAY. They are an online dealer who only sells XRAY RC cars and parts through their store. This includes the XRAY M18T PRO.
No. Neither X-Ray nor xray are allowed in Scrabble.
XRAY Model Racing Cars was created in 2000.
Yes, XRAY is a company. If you are referring to the electromagnetic radiation, x-ray what you mean.
An xray technician is commonly referred to as a radtech or radiation technician in a medical setting.
DENTSPLY International Inc. (XRAY) had its IPO in 1987.
xray tech...how needs doctors anyway!
If they are calcified, such as an aorta that has plaque build up. Abdominal aortic aneurysms can sometimes be seen on xray in this situation. However, in general, arteries do not show up on xray.
no