What is an x-ray?
An x-ray is a safe, painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to create an image of bones, organs, and other parts of the body.
The X-ray image is black and white. Dense parts of the body, such as bones, block the X-ray beam from passing through the body. These appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as skin and muscles, allow the X-rays to pass through them. They look darker in the image.
X-rays are commonly performed in doctors’ offices, radiology departments, imaging centers, and dentists’ offices. If necessary (for example, if a child is in the hospital), a portable X-ray machine can be brought to the bedside. Portable x-rays are sometimes used in emergency rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms.
Help your child prepare for an x-ray by explaining the test in simple terms. Tell your child that it is important to stay still to get the best pictures. The x-ray technician may ask older children to hold their breath and remain still for 2 to 3 seconds while each x-ray is taken. Any image that is blurred may need to be remade.
What happens before an x-ray?
Most x-rays do not require any special preparation. Depending on what is being x-rayed, your child may be asked to remove clothing and jewelry and put on a hospital gown because buttons, zippers, snaps, or jewelry can affect the image.
Your child will enter a special room that will likely have a table and a large x-ray machine hanging from the ceiling. Sometimes parents can come with their children. If you remain in the room while the x-ray is being performed, you will be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs will also be protected with a lead shield.
What happens during an x-ray?
After placing your child in the correct position, the technician goes into the next room to take the images. Your child will not feel anything when the x-ray is taken. The x-ray room may feel cold due to the air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.
The positions required for x-ray may be uncomfortable, but only need to be held for a few seconds. If your child has an injury and cannot stay in the correct position, the technician may be able to find one that is more comfortable. Babies may cry in the x-ray room, but this will not affect the procedure.
After the x-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they are blurry or unclear, some of the views may need to be retaken.
What is contrast solution?
Sometimes, for x-rays of soft tissue areas, patients may receive a contrast solution. It highlights certain areas of the body so doctors can see them in more detail. Contrast solution may be used for x-rays that involve the heart, kidneys, bladder, and digestive system. The solution may be a liquid that is swallowed or given as an enema (deep down) or a solution that is injected into a vein.
Contrast solution is generally safe, but allergic reactions can occur. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of its use.
Find out if your child needs to fast (not eat or drink) or stop taking medications before receiving contrast solution.
When will the test results be ready?
X-ray images are saved digitally on computers and viewed by a radiologist specially trained to read and understand them. Images can be ready for the radiologist quickly, especially in an emergency. The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean. In most cases, results cannot be given directly to the patient or family at the time of testing.
Are there risks derived from X-rays?
In general, x-rays are very safe. Although radiation exposure poses some risk to the body, the amount used in most x-rays is small and is not considered dangerous. It is important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation necessary to obtain the best results.
Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at greater risk of harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the x-ray technician.
What if I have questions?
If you have questions about the x-ray or what the results mean, talk to your doctor. You can also talk to the x-ray technician before the test.
