X Ray

Overview:

X-ray is a quick, painless procedure that is performed to create images of the structures within the body, particularly the bones. The bone appears as a white mass on the x-ray plate, whereas muscles and fat tissue appear as shades of grey.

When it’s done:

X-rays are used to examine the following parts of the body.

Bone and Teeth Abnormalities

• Fractures and infections
• Arthritis
• Teeth infection and decay
• Osteoporosis
• Bone cancer

Chest Abnormalities

• Lung infections
• Breast cancer
• An enlarged heart

Abdomen

• Digestive tract abnormalities
• Swallowed items

When to Avoid:

X-rays are generally not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause harm to the unborn child. However, for a normal person, the amount of radiation generated during an x-ray procedure is too low to cause any damage to the cells in their body.

How to prepare:

• Patients are required to remove any jewellery and clothes that may interfere with the x-ray image
• Wear a gown to cover yourself depending on the area being examined
• Follow the instructions given by the doctor before the examination; you may have to remain still and hold your breath to avoid blurring of the image
• For a young child, restraints or other techniques may be used to keep him/her still to prevent blurring of the image and also to prevent the child from the radiation