X-Rays

X-ray imaging has been around for 100 years, and it is still one of the best and easiest ways for a physician to see the internal organs, bones, or other structures within the body. Besides being used to diagnose broken bones, it can be used to view and diagnose problems in almost any part of the body from major organs, to tiny structures within the ear, nose or throat.

Many types of imaging use x-ray technology in varying forms, with varying names and often combined with contrast agents. Here is a list of x-rays types.

• X-raying of the blood vessels using contrast is called "angiography"
• X-raying of the joints using contrast is called "arthrography
• X-raying of the gastro-intestinal tract using contrast is called "barium x-rays"
• X-raying of the thoracic cavity (lungs) and heart is called "chest x-rays"
• X-raying of the bile ducts using contrast is called "cholangiography"
• X-raying of the gallbladder using contrast is called "cholecystography"
• X-raying of the lymphatic system using contrast is called "lymphangiography"
• X-raying of the breasts is called "mammography"
• X-raying of the spinal canal using contrast is called "myelography"
• X-rays of the bones are called "skeletal x-rays"
• X-raying of the kidneys, ureters and bladder is called "urography"

How x-ray works
The machine that creates x-rays has been much improved since its invention. The most vital part of the machine is the x-ray tube. This tube is constructed of glass or metal and has a vacuum seal inside. It generates x-rays by converting electricity from its power line (AC current of 120-480 volts) into electricity that falls into the 25-150 kilo volt range. This creates a stream of electrons that are shot against a tungsten target. When the electrons hit this target (called an anode) the atomic structure of the tungsten stops the electrons, causing a release of x-ray energy. This energy is focused by the x-ray tube onto the area of the body to be imaged.

These very energetic electromagnetic waves can pass through the body and create images of internal structures. Because the different tissues within the body are of different densities, those waves are attenuated (weakened) at differing rates as they pass through. Bone, for example, is very dense and absorbs a lot of the x-rays, while the tissues surrounding the bone are less dense and absorb less of the x-ray.

It is this difference in the absorption of the waves that creates variations in the exposures on the x-ray film and allows the detail of the image to be formed.

There are two major categories of x-ray imaging; radiographic that produces still images; and fluoroscopic that produces moving pictures similar to an x-ray video. This type of x-ray is viewed on a television monitor.

There are also digital radiographic x-ray machines that use techniques similar to traditional analog (or film) with the exception that the images are digitally acquired and sent to a computer for viewing. This technique produces images that can be easily reproduced to allow the physician to enhance and manipulate them, as well as store them electronically and share with other physicians. Digital x-ray also may use a lower dosage of radiation to create the same (or better) high quality images as film.

What to expect when you have an x-ray:
IWhen you go in to have an x-ray taken you will need to first make sure you have removed any clothing, jewelry or other items that could interfere with or show up on the x-ray. The metal hooks on women's bras for example will show up on the x-ray. Depending on the part of the body imaged, you may also need to drink barium contrast material.

IMPORTANT: If you are pregnant, or if you think you MIGHT be pregnant, tell the RRA technician or radiologist. While x-rays are safe for you, they are not safe for the developing embryo.

When you are ready to have the x-ray, the technician will position you so that the area of your body being imaged is properly placed between the x-ray tube and the film. They will then leave the room and activate the x-ray. If you are having a chest x-ray you will be asked to hold your breath to prevent the image from blurring.

You will need to wait while the x-ray technician reviews the images to make sure they are accurate and of good quality. Occasionally, another x-ray must be taken if the first one does not show the area properly. If the images are good then you are free to go.

An RRA radiologist will interpret the x-rays and contact your physician to discuss the results. You will be contacted by your physician.