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How to do an x-ray. X-ray – how the procedure is performed


The X-ray machine is very simple in its design and will not present any great difficulties in manufacturing.

The main parts that make up any X-ray machine are: an X-ray tube, a high-voltage transformer, constant capacitors, a rheostat, and a fluorescent screen.

We already have a high-voltage transformer. It will completely replace it for us. Just remember that an X-ray machine requires a coil that produces a spark of at least 8-10 cm in length.

High-capacity capacitors can be purchased ready-made, designed for high voltage. A rheostat can also be purchased ready-made, preferably used for heating kenotrons in powerful amplifiers of radio units.

All we have to do is make an X-ray tube. True, they are now on sale. But, firstly, they are still relatively expensive, and secondly, they require a very high voltage for their operation, much more than our transformer can provide. Making your own X-ray tube is not that difficult.

We will make it from an ordinary light bulb.

For this, it is better to take a new hollow electric light bulb of 25 watts. A staniol circle with a diameter of 2 cm must be glued to the widest part of the bulb of the cylinder, and the base must be short-circuited (see Figure a).

The staniol should be glued very carefully so that there are no folds, scratches or voids between it and the cylinder.

Glue should be used as little as possible. But it is best to glue the staniol with egg white.

While the circle is drying, we will start constructing a tripod for the future tube.

The tripod is made from four planks of size: two 100 mm and two 100x200 mm. In one of the boards measuring 100x100 mm, a hole is cut in the center according to the diameter of the electric cartridge. A box is made from planks, as shown in Figure b.

When the box is ready, an electric cartridge, pre-charged with a cord, is screwed into it; Our Crookes tube, made from an electric light bulb, is screwed into the socket.

When the light bulb is tightly screwed into the socket, the centiole circle on it should be against some side wall. If this does not happen right away, then the cartridge should be rotated slightly in the socket.

A mark is made against the staniol circle on the wall, and the light bulb is unscrewed. Then a small hole is drilled at the mark location for contact with the lamp.

The contact can be made from thick copper wire with a cross-section of 5 mm and a length of 50-60 mm. A copper circle with a diameter of 10 mm is soldered at one end of the wire. It is advisable to first carefully bend this circle on the bulb of our light bulb so that when it comes into contact with the staniol circle, the contact is tighter.

The wire is inserted from the inside of the tripod into the prepared hole, and the place of contact that will come into contact with the board must first be insulated, preferably with an ebonite or porcelain tube, but so that the rod moves in it with great friction.

You can use a porcelain roller used for electrical wiring for insulation. But in these cases, you will first need to select the diameter of the wire based on the hole in the roller and then begin making the contact.

Once the contact is in place, a meter-long piece of electrical cord is soldered to its outer end.

A light bulb is screwed into the box, the contact is carefully, but as tightly as possible, moved to the staniol circle, screwed to the side wall, and our X-ray tube is ready for use.

Remember that the success of our X-ray machine depends on the accuracy of making the contact and the staniol circle and the density of their contact.

If there is even the slightest wrinkle or scratch on the staniol circle, or the contact is poorly pressed to the circle, then when you turn on high voltage the lamp cylinder can be pierced by an electric spark - and the whole work will be ruined.

For ease of handling, the X-ray machine should be assembled on a common, stable stand. The tripod is made from wooden beams according to Fig. 3. From beams with a cross-section of 30x30 mm, two frames measuring 200x200 mm are connected and installed one from the other at a distance of 100 mm on a board measuring 220x220 mm. For the base you need to take a thick board.

A box with an X-ray tube is attached to one of the frames in the center. Another frame will serve to install the fluorescent screen.

It is very convenient to use a small closed bedside table for the X-ray unit. In this case, the batteries are located in the lower compartment, the coil is in the upper compartment, and a lamp with a screen is installed on the bedside table.

Our device needs a small fluorescent screen. A screen larger than 150 X 150 mm should not be made, since it will still be useless: our device has insignificant power and will not be able to illuminate the entire screen. For the screen, a wooden frame is made according to its size, the latter is attached to the second frame on the base, opposite the lamp.

Now all that remains is to connect the X-ray tube to a high voltage source, turn on the current - and the X-ray machine is ready for action. The X-ray tube is connected to the Ruhmkorff coil according to the circuit shown in Fig. 2.

When connecting, make sure that the wires coming from the poles of the coil do not pass at a close distance from each other, in any case no closer than 15-20 cm, otherwise sparks may jump between them, which not only “disturb the normal operation of the device, but can also turn out to be life-threatening.

You should also not place the coil close to the lamp, no closer than one meter.

The lamp must be connected to the coil as follows: a wire coming from the filament of the lamp is connected to the anode, that is, the positive pole of the coil, and a wire coming from the contact attached to the staniol circle on the lamp cylinder is connected to the cathode, the negative pole; Moreover, both connections are made not directly to the coil contact, but through Leyden jars, as indicated in the diagram.

To determine the polarity of the coil contacts, its spark gaps are moved apart so that a spark cannot jump between them. Turn on the current. In this case, a luminous brush appears on the positive pole, facing the other electrode. And on the negative one there can be a brush, only of a smaller size, or just a luminous point. You can only notice this in the dark.

When our X-ray tube is properly connected to the coil, the cathode, by sending out what are called cathode rays, will produce a bright yellow-green fluorescence on the glass of the light bulb. At the same time, invisible X-rays are also emitted into space.

If this fluorescent glow does not work, and the light bulb is filled with only a violet glow, then this means that it is not connected correctly or the inductive strength of our coil is insufficient for such a light bulb. Then you should take a light bulb with a smaller bulb.

Can be used to build an X-ray machine instead of an ordinary Ruhmkorff coil power transformer with a high transformation ratio and even a bobbin from a car.

You can also, as a last resort, do without Leyden jars if it is not possible to make or purchase them. The X-ray lamp will work somewhat weaker.

A screen for an X-ray machine can be purchased at a pharmacy, in the medical equipment department.

Testing the X-ray machine and working with it

Having once again checked the correctness of the connections of the X-ray machine and made sure that everything was done correctly, and most importantly, safety for work was ensured, the operator sits down at the machine, inserts the open palm of his left hand between the X-ray tube and the screen, and the lights in the room turn off.

When you turn on the Ruhmkorff coil, you will immediately see a cloudy outline of your hand on the screen.

By adjusting the distance of your hand between the screen and the X-ray tube, as well as the voltage applied to the Ruhmkorff coil, you will quickly achieve a position where the bony knuckles of the fingers and the faint outline of the contours of the fingers clearly stand out against the pale green background of the screen.

Now that the device has been tested and you are convinced that it works well, you can begin interesting experiments with it.

Our X-ray machine can be used to view not only hands, but also small animals: the skeleton, for example, of a cat or puppy. For students who are already studying animal anatomy, this is especially interesting and useful.

There will be a lot of interesting things to look at internal structure birds, reptiles and insects.

This type of scanning is called fluoroscopy.

At the moment, for the timely diagnosis of pathologies in the organs of the urinary system, research methods of various types are used. However, among all the diversity, it is the x-ray of the kidneys that stands out, with which you can comprehensively study the external structure and structure of the paired organs. Since the procedure is associated with the direct influence of radiation on a living organism, it should be treated with extreme caution, adhering to important recommendations and rules of preliminary preparation.

How are kidney x-rays done?

X-ray examination has three types, each of which has a special characteristic. The specialist prescribes a specific method depending on the symptoms of kidney disease and the nature of the pathology.

Computed tomography

CT scans are performed using special machines that also scan using X-rays. At the time of the procedure, layer-by-layer sections are transferred to the computer, reflecting the diagnostic picture in more detailed detail. How is the tomography performed? A person, having left metal objects in a special room, sits comfortably on a couch, which is then pushed into the ring-shaped hole of the tomograph.

They control the operation of the apparatus from the adjacent room, controlling the research process. When performing a CT scan, it is necessary to exclude any movements that affect the clarity of the images. When the specialist gives the signal, you need to hold your breath for a few seconds. The person will also be notified about the end of the procedure.

Tomography does not require special preparation; it is often used specifically to identify the stage of development of tumor formations in the kidney area. It has a fairly high price. During a session, a person receives a dose of radiation that is several times higher than the dose of radiation from one survey X-ray.

One type of computed tomography machine

Plain radiography of the kidneys

It's about about an ordinary black and white photograph that reflects general condition abdominal cavity: pelvic bones, kidneys, lower pairs of ribs and lumbar spine. The study takes only a few minutes. After the patient takes off his clothes, revealing himself to the waist, he will be asked to lie down on a special couch. Then a special film cassette is installed between the body and the table.

When the image is received, if necessary, the specialist records another image, but in a vertical position. Introduction chemicals not required. X-ray easily reveals dense stone elements of large caliber, located both in the kidneys and in the bladder. Before the procedure, it is recommended to cleanse the intestines of toxins.

Survey diagnostics often represent an additional manipulation in combination with ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.

X-ray with contrast agent

This type of diagnosis is used to visualize the smallest renal structures, namely the tubules, pelvis and calyces. It is carried out in specialized medical centers for adults and children when special indications are identified. There are several subtypes of research.

Variety Features of the event
Angiography Angiography involves the injection of contrast directly into the vessels responsible for the blood supply to the kidneys. In this case, only they are examined, and not the structural tissues of the urinary tract organs. X-rays of this kind are often used to study cancer formations, as well as to detect thrombosis and atherosclerosis. The procedure is performed under anesthesia. Only the doctor determines the type of anesthesia used - general or local
Intravenous or excretory urography An iodine-containing contrast agent, such as urografin, is injected into the body through a vein. A few minutes later, after its penetration into hard-to-reach renal areas, one X-ray image (urogram) of several is taken. Typically, only 3-4 images are taken during the procedure, with clear time intervals between them. A session of excretory urography involves recording a series of images of the renal system, the work of which is carried out by circulating a contrast solution that illuminates all elements of the urinary tract. If a failure in urine output is detected in any area, an x-ray will detect this disorder and record it on one of the urograms
Infusion urography A distinctive feature of infusion urography is the slower administration of contrast, thanks to which it is possible to visualize the renal calyces, pelvis and parenchymal tissue in detail. Also this type research is applied to children under 1 year of age. This is due to the fact that the nephrons of babies are not yet mature enough: when an iodine-containing solution is injected into the body in a stream, the images will not be of good quality
Direct pyelography The most clear diagnosis, which can be carried out in 2 ways: 1. Antegrade. It involves injecting a solution directly into the kidney using an injection. The substance then passes through the urinary tract and, at the end of the session, is naturally excreted from the body along with urine. 2. Retrograde. Contrast is “allowed” into internal environment the body through a special catheter installed in the urethra. Liquid coloring urethra, bypasses the bladder with the ureters and enters the pores of the kidneys. In other words, the process is the opposite of the antegrade one. To avoid infection, the retrograde method is not used in the presence of blood in the urine, as well as inflammatory foci
Urostereoradiography It is used quite rarely in medical practice. At the time of the session, the person is given several successive x-rays, each time placing the x-ray tube 4–7 cm to the left and right. The resulting exposure is then viewed by a specialist through a special device - stereobinoculars, which can detect tuberculosis, nephrolithiasis, tumor, etc. Since during the study urine is subject to constant movement, it is almost impossible to obtain identical images - this is the reason for the infrequent use of urostereoradiography
Percutaneous urography If doctors are unable to perform any of the above procedures on a particular patient, an alternative comes to the rescue - percutaneous urography. This technique consists of washing the pelvis with Furacilin and then introducing contrast using a subcutaneous puncture (injection). As a rule, simplified diagnostics are resorted to after identifying special contraindications in a person: ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis, etc.

Diagnostics with contrast can last from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the individual patient’s parameters. Under certain circumstances, a person will be asked to undergo the procedure in a standing position, but more often they will have to lie down horizontal surface. Before the study, you need to take care of choosing looser clothing. If one is not found in the wardrobe, doctors will most likely give you a special robe. X-rays that require the administration of an iodine-containing solution have a number of absolute contraindications.

  • hyperthyroidism;
  • allergy to the main component of contrast - iodine;
  • pregnancy;
  • renal failure;
  • heart failure;
  • breastfeeding.

Fluoroscopy is a “live” examination of organs by shining them with ionizing rays without taking any further images. Referrals for this diagnosis are given quite rarely. For children, in turn, it is not prescribed at all.

Features of children's x-rays

Since radiation has an extremely negative effect on fragile children’s bodies, x-rays are prescribed only when absolutely necessary. If such a dangerous illness as urolithiasis is suspected, children are first sent for an ultrasound. However, the absence of any ultrasound results is already a reason to prescribe a referral for radiation diagnostics.


A few days before the examination, it is necessary to familiarize the child with the features of the procedure and the rules of behavior at the time of scanning.

Parents or other close relatives may be near small children at the time of the study, and they will be responsible for the patient’s immobility and psychological calm. Sometimes, in order to calm down, children are given general anesthesia before an x-ray.

And in order to exclude an allergic reaction to certain components of the contrast agent, all children are given special antihistamines. Doctors select medications in advance, based on the individual characteristics of patients.

What pathologies does diagnostics show?

Radiation therapy is a fairly informative type of research; when used, a specialist can see:

  • nephroptosis or prolapse of one of the kidneys;
  • polycystic and individual cysts;
  • urolithiasis;
  • shape and location of kidney stones;
  • hydronephrosis;
  • glomerulonephritis;
  • benign and malignant tumors;
  • ruptures in the ureters, kidneys or bladder;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • renal infarction;
  • congenital or acquired structural anomalies;
  • blockage of the ureters by a foreign formation or stone;
  • kidney tuberculosis, etc.

Indications for use

The examination can and even should be carried out for patients who have such abnormalities as a suspicious odor of urine, chronic pain in the lumbar region, the presence of congenital malformations, identification of pathological indicators in a blood test, swelling of the legs or eyelids, the presence of mucous, purulent or purulent discharge in the urine. bloody type, discomfort during urination. This also includes damage to the bladder, trauma to the soft tissues that are located next to the kidneys.


A person of any age can have an x-ray if there are appropriate indications.

Preparing for the study

In order to obtain the most reliable data about the organs being studied, it is necessary to stabilize the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract by eliminating foods that cause flatulence and bloating from the usual diet. Such phenomena affect the clarity of pictures, so this measure is a necessity.

2–4 days before a kidney x-ray, you should avoid consuming special foods:

  • tomatoes;
  • goose;
  • cabbage;
  • lamb;
  • pork;
  • kombucha;
  • dates;
  • radish;
  • raspberries;
  • sorrel;
  • sparkling water;
  • kiwi;
  • green onions;
  • kvass;
  • pears

Prohibited and restricted use:

  • muffins;
  • ice cream;
  • alcoholic beverages, including beer;
  • spinach;
  • legumes;
  • beans;
  • grapes;
  • apples;
  • milk;
  • gooseberries;
  • peas;
  • confectionery products;
  • mushrooms;
  • lentils.

If you have chronic constipation, you should also take laxatives for 2-3 days. The most effective remedies are considered to be magnesium sulfate powder, Lavacol, Guttalax, Senade, Dufalak, Slabilen, Fortrans, Purgen, Lactuvit, Normaze, Prelaxan and Senadexin. It is recommended to take the last meal at 18–19 hours on the eve of the diagnosis, and in the morning, immediately before the x-ray, it is necessary to take an enema.


When preparing, you need to drink at least 6–7 glasses of clean water per day

Possible consequences

If the patient underwent a procedure with the introduction of contrast, after a certain time, he may experience unpleasant symptoms: dizziness, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, rash, difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, fever, general weakness. Such reactions are rare and usually disappear on their own after a few hours.

If they occur immediately after the end of the study, the doctor can provide first aid using necessary tools, which modern X-ray rooms are equipped with. Long-term side effects should be a cause for concern. The patient needs to make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible and describe the symptoms in detail in a private conversation.

X-ray alternatives

The main alternative research methods include multislice computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. With their help, you can clarify the patient's diagnosis.

Only the attending doctor can prescribe this or that type of examination. Self-medication in the presence of signs indicating kidney disease is fraught with a direct threat to human health and life. Therefore, at the moment of suspicious pain, it is necessary to seek advice from a specialist as soon as possible.

X-rays refer to a special type of electromagnetic vibration that is created in the tube of an X-ray machine when electrons suddenly stop. X-ray is a procedure that many people are familiar with, but some want to know more about it. What is an X-ray? How are x-rays done?

X-ray properties

The following properties of X-rays have been used in medical practice:

  • Huge penetrating power. X-rays successfully pass through various tissues of the human body.
  • X-rays cause light reflection of individual chemical elements. This property underlies fluoroscopy.
  • Photochemical exposure to ionizing rays makes it possible to create informative images from a diagnostic point of view.
  • X-ray radiation has an ionizing effect.

During an X-ray scan various organs, tissues and structures act as targets for x-rays. During a minor radioactive load, metabolism may be disrupted, and with prolonged exposure to radiation, acute or chronic radiation sickness may occur.

X-ray machine

X-ray machines are devices that are used not only in diagnostic and medicinal purposes in medicine, but also in various areas industry (flaw detectors), as well as in other areas of human life.

X-ray machine design:

  • emitter tubes (lamp) - one or more pieces;
  • a power supply device that supplies the device with electricity and regulates radiation parameters;
  • tripods that make it easier to control the device;
  • X-ray to visible image converters.

X-ray machines are divided into several groups depending on how they are designed and where they are used:

  • stationary – they are usually equipped in rooms in radiology departments and clinics;
  • mobile – intended for use in surgery and traumatology departments, in intensive care wards and on an outpatient basis;
  • portable, dental (used by dentists).

As X-rays pass through the human body, they are projected onto film. However, the angle of reflection of the waves may be different and this affects the image quality. The bones are best visible in the photographs - bright white. This is because calcium absorbs X-rays the most.

Types of diagnostics

In medical practice, X-rays have found application in the following diagnostic methods:

  • Fluoroscopy is an examination method in which, in the past, the organs being examined were projected onto a screen coated with a fluorescent compound. In the process, it was possible to study the organ from different angles in dynamics. And thanks to modern digital processing, the finished video image is immediately obtained on the monitor or displayed on paper.
  • Radiography is the main type of examination. The patient is given a film with a fixed image of the examined organ or body part.
  • X-ray and fluoroscopy with contrast. This type of diagnosis is indispensable when examining hollow organs and soft tissues.
  • Fluorography is an examination with small-format X-ray images, which allow it to be used en masse during preventive examinations of the lungs.
  • Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic method that allows you to study in detail human body through a combination of x-ray and digital processing. Computer reconstruction of layer-by-layer X-ray images takes place. Of all the methods of radiation diagnostics, this is the most informative.

X-rays are used not only for diagnosis, but also for therapy. Radiation therapy is widely used in the treatment of cancer patients.

In case of emergency care, a plain radiography is initially performed on the patient.

The following types of X-ray examination are distinguished:

  • spine and peripheral parts of the skeleton;
  • chest;
  • abdominal cavity;
  • a detailed image of all teeth with jaws, adjacent parts of the facial skeleton;
  • checking the patency of the fallopian tubes using x-rays;
  • X-ray examination of the breast with a low dose of radiation;
  • X-ray contrast examination of the stomach and duodenum;
  • diagnosis of the gallbladder and ducts using contrast;
  • examination of the colon with retrograde injection of a radiocontrast agent into it.

Abdominal x-rays are divided into plain x-rays and procedures performed with contrast. To determine pathologies in the lung wide application found by fluoroscopy. X-ray examination of the spine, joints and other parts of the skeleton is a very popular diagnostic method.

Neurologists, traumatologists and orthopedists cannot give their patients an accurate diagnosis without using this type of examination. X-ray shows spinal hernia, scoliosis, various microtraumas, disorders of the osseous-ligamentous apparatus (pathologies of a healthy foot), fractures (of the wrist joint) and much more.

Preparation

Most diagnostic procedures involving the use of X-rays do not require special training, but there are exceptions. If an examination of the stomach, intestines or lumbosacral spine is planned, then 2-3 days before the x-ray you need to follow a special diet that reduces flatulence and fermentation processes.

When examining the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to do cleansing enemas on the eve of diagnosis and directly on the day of the examination. in the classic way using an Esmarch mug or cleanse the intestines using pharmaceutical laxatives (oral medications or microenemas).

When examining the abdominal organs, you should not eat, drink, or smoke at least 3 hours before the procedure. Before going for a mammogram, you should visit a gynecologist. A chest x-ray should be performed early menstrual cycle after the end of menstruation. If a woman who is planning a breast examination has implants, then she must inform the radiologist about this.

Carrying out

Upon entering the X-ray room, he must remove items of clothing or jewelry that contain metal, and also leave them outside the room. mobile phone. Typically, the patient is asked to undress to the waist if the chest or peritoneum is being examined. If it is necessary to perform an x-ray of the extremities, the patient can remain in clothes. All parts of the body that are not subject to diagnosis must be covered with a protective lead apron.

Pictures can be taken in various positions. But most often the patient stands or lies down. If a series of images from different angles is needed, the radiologist gives commands to the patient to change body position. If an x-ray of the stomach is performed, the patient will need to take the Trendelenburg position.

This is a special pose in which the pelvic organs are slightly above the head. As a result of the manipulations, negatives are obtained, which show light areas of denser structures and dark areas indicating the presence of soft tissues. Decoding and analysis of each area of ​​the body is performed according to certain rules.


Children often have x-rays taken to check for hip dysplasia.

Frequency

The maximum permissible effective dose of radiation is 15 mSv per year. As a rule, only people who need regular X-ray monitoring (after severe injuries) receive this dose of radiation. If during the year the patient only undergoes fluorography, mammography and x-rays at the dentist, then he can be completely calm, since his radiation exposure will not exceed 1.5 mSv.

Acute radiation sickness can only occur if a person receives a single dose of 1000 mSv. But if this is not a liquidator at a nuclear power plant, then in order to receive such a radiation dose, the patient must take 25 thousand fluorographs and a thousand x-rays of the spine in one day. And this is nonsense.

The same radiation doses that a person receives during standard examinations, even if they are increased in quantity, are not capable of having a noticeable negative effect on the body. Therefore, x-rays can be taken as often as medical indications require. However, this principle does not apply to pregnant women.

X-rays are contraindicated for them at any stage, especially in the first trimester, when the formation of all organs and systems in the fetus occurs. If circumstances force a woman to have an X-ray while carrying a child (serious injuries during an accident), then they try to use maximum protective measures for the abdomen and pelvic organs. During breastfeeding, women are allowed to have both x-rays and fluorography.

Moreover, according to many experts, she does not even need to express milk. Fluorography is not performed on young children. This procedure is permissible from the age of 15. As for x-ray diagnostics in pediatrics, they resort to it, but take into account that children have increased radiosensitivity to ionizing radiation (on average 2–3 times higher than adults), which creates a high risk for them of both somatic and genetic radiation effects.

Contraindications

Fluoroscopy and radiography of organs and structures of the human body have not only many indications, but also a number of contraindications:

  • active tuberculosis;
  • endocrine pathologies of the thyroid gland;
  • general serious condition patient;
  • carrying a child at any stage;
  • for radiography using contrast – lactation period;
  • serious disturbances in the functioning of the heart and kidneys;
  • internal bleeding;
  • individual intolerance to contrast agents.

Nowadays, X-rays can be taken in many medical centers. If radiographic or fluoroscopic examination is done on digital complexes, then the patient can count on a lower radiation dose. But even digital X-rays can be considered safe only if the permissible frequency of the procedure is not exceeded.

X-rays are used to create images of internal organs or bones to help diagnose disease or injury. Special equipment emits small amounts of ionizing radiation. It passes through the body and onto the film or imaging device.

The dose of radiation a person receives depends on the area of ​​the body that is being examined. Smaller areas such as the arm will receive a small dose compared to a larger area such as the spine. On average, the radiation dose is the same as that from background radiation in a week. Pregnant women are advised to consult with their doctor to find an alternative testing method.

Who does the procedure

The two types of practitioners involved in taking radiographs are:

  • a radiologist who does the examination;
  • a radiologist (medical specialist) who describes x-rays.

Principle of procedure

Ionizing radiation passes through the body. Previously, it would end up on a special film; now the x-ray is made using a device that captures the transmitted x-rays to create an electronic image.

Interesting! Read why doctors prescribe examinations

Calcium in the bones blocks the passage of radiation, so healthy bones appear in white or gray color. The radiation travels easily through air spaces, causing healthy lungs to appear dark in the image.

Purpose of taking a radiograph

This medical imaging test is common. Purposes of the procedure:

  • diagnosis of fractures - detection of broken bones - the most common reason for radiographs;
  • diagnosis of dislocations - x-ray examination reveals if the bones of the joint are abnormally located;
  • as a surgical instrument - to help the surgeon perform an operation accurately. For example, X-rays taken for orthopedic surgery show whether bones are aligned after a fracture or whether an implanted device (artificial joint) is in the correct position. X-rays are used in other surgical procedures for the same purpose;
  • diagnosis of bone or joint diseases: certain types of cancer or arthritis;
  • diagnosing chest conditions to make an accurate diagnosis: pneumonia, lung cancer, emphysema or heart failure;
  • detection foreign objects— fragments of bullets or swallowed objects.

Features of the radiograph

Be sure to tell your doctor about your pregnancy so that the specialist can recommend a different type of test. The X-ray does not require special preparation. Some x-ray tests involve the use of iodinated contrast material (a type of dye).

This substance helps improve the details of images or make it possible to view body structures such as intestines or blood vessels. The hospital's radiology department or private x-ray clinic will provide the patient with information about what to expect from the procedure.

X-rays reveal only severe cases of osteoporosis. Your doctor may suggest other testing options to help confirm the diagnosis.

How is the procedure performed?

Depending on which part of the body is being examined, the patient will be asked to undress, remove jewelry, and change into a hospital gown. The procedure then goes like this:

  • The patient will stand, lie down, or sit on a special table, depending on which part of the body is being examined.
  • The radiologist will place the area of ​​interest between the x-ray machine and the imaging device, which captures x-ray radiation passing through a part of the body.
  • The doctor can protect other parts of the body with a lead apron. This reduces the risk of unnecessary exposure to radiation.
  • The clinician needs to help the patient position the body correctly for a particular type of imaging.
  • The radiologist operates the machine's controls to obtain an image.
  • The patient will be asked to hold their breath for a couple of seconds to ensure that all images are taken and the breathing movement does not blur the image.

The procedure does not take much time. For example, a routine x-ray of the arm takes several minutes. Other types of X-ray examination may take a little longer.

Subsequently, the images are transferred to the attending physician to make a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.