WHAT IS AN X-RAY (RADIOGRAPHY) AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Radiography, known to most people as X-Ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. For nearly a century, diagnostic images have been created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the human body and capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on a photographic film or digital plate.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE X-RAY PROCEDURE?
- We request that you arrive 15-30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time to complete paperwork and to change clothes if necessary.
- Please bring the written prescription your physician gave you for this procedure.
- There are no special preparations required for most X-Ray procedures. You may be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You will also be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any objects that could obscure the images, since those show up on X-Rays and may interfere with a clear view of the area of interest.
- You should inform your physician or a center staff member if you are taking GLUCOPHAGE (METFORMIN) OR GLUCOVANCE (GLYBURIDE/METFORMIN) for a diabetic condition.
- We strongly encourage you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have prior to your procedure. Communication with our patients is an important part of the service we provide.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE X-RAY PROCEDURE?
- You may be asked to change into a clinic gown and escorted to the X-Ray room.
- For X-Ray procedures, an X-Ray technologist will assist you onto the padded exam table or into a chair, and a film cassette (plastic plate) will be placed under the table or directly under the area of the body to be imaged. Sandbags, sponges or pillows may be used to help hold you in the proper position.
- The X-Ray technologist will exit the procedure room to an adjacent room and instruct you to hold very still without moving and/or breathing for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken.
- The X-Ray technologist will reposition you for additional views, and the process is typically repeated multiple times.
- Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable X-Ray procedure. If you are uncomfortable in any way, please inform your technologist.
HOW LONG WILL THE X-RAY PROCEDURE TAKE?
Usually, an X-Ray procedure takes less than 15 minutes, depending on the type of procedure you’re having.
WHEN DO I GET MY X-RAY RESULTS?
Our certified X-Ray technologist will prepare your X-ray images for the radiologist to evaluate. The radiologist will interpret your results and dictate a written report, which will be forwarded to your physician. Your physician will convey the results of the procedure to you.