X-ray: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (original) (raw)

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light.

An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images are recorded on a computer or film.

• Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray waves, and will appear white.
• Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white.
• Structures containing air will be black, and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.

Before the x-ray, tell your health care team if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or if you have an IUD inserted.

You will need to remove all jewelry. Metal can cause unclear images. You may need to wear a hospital gown.

X-rays are painless. Some body positions needed during an x-ray may be uncomfortable for a short time.

X-rays are monitored and regulated so you get the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image.

For most x-rays, your risk for cancer, or if you are pregnant, the risk for birth defects in your unborn baby is very low. Most experts feel that the benefits of appropriate x-ray imaging greatly outweigh any risks.

Young children and babies in the womb are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays. Tell your provider if you think you might be pregnant.

Mettler FA. Introduction: an approach to image interpretation. In: Mettler FA, ed. Essentials of Radiology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 1.

Rodney WM, Rodney JRM, Arnold KMR. Principles of x-ray interpretation. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 235.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.