X-RAY EXAMS

No special preparation is needed for fixed plate X-rays unless contrast material is used. When X-rays are scheduled that involve the use of contrast material, the physician will give specific instructions for preparation. For example, in a lower GI series, the individual may have to fast and use special laxatives to cleanse the bowel before swallowing the contrast material. Parents can prepare children for X-rays by explaining what will happen and that these tests are short and painless.

As a patient, you will probably be asked to remove your clothing over the part of your body to be X-rayed as well as any jewelry worn on the day of the X-ray. Patients will be given a hospital gown. For certain X-ray procedures, patients also will be given a flexible lead apron or another type of protective drape to shield portions of your body from unnecessary X-ray exposure. Patients will be asked to either stand on the floor or lie/sit on a table in an X-ray room, and a technician will position your body in a way that gives the best X-ray view.

The technician will position the X-ray machine near your body so that the machine’s X-ray tube (where the X-rays come out) is pointing at the correct body area. After going behind a protective panel, the technician will press a button to take the X-ray picture. For a more specialized series of X-rays, (such as mammography, a barium enema, or a CT scan) the procedure is slightly more complicated.