An X-ray (radiograph) is an imaging test that helps our doctors of Lawndale Medical Clinic in Houston, TX and serving East End, and Pasadena, TX diagnose and treat various medical conditions. The non-invasive process usually takes less than five minutes.
How X-ray Imaging Works
Radiographs are a medical imaging technique that uses electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of the interior of your body, using electromagnetic wave as beams to form pictures of bones and soft tissues, such as cancerous tumors.
A radiograph is a painless test performed by healthcare professionals known as radiographers. Once inside their facility, you will be moved into position so the examined area can be seen clearly on the screen.
How To Prepare for Your X-ray
Your radiographer will position you so the X-ray machine lines up with the right part of your body and stay still so the image produced from the radiograph is clear without blurriness. Before some radiograph scans, a liquid substance called contrast may need to be consumed before beginning your scan to highlight soft tissues more prominently on the image and improve its clarity.
Those undergoing contrast X-rays must drink plenty of clear liquids before their test and stop taking certain medicines such as diabetes medication (Metformin) or diuretics such as furosemide before their examination.
What an X-ray Feels Like
An X-ray is a quick, painless diagnostic test that produces images of internal body parts. Electromagnetic waves known as X-ray beams are sent into your body where they absorb differently depending on its density.
Dense areas, like bones, absorb more X-ray beams and appear as white images; less dense tissues such as fat appear as shades of gray or black. As part of an X-ray, you may be asked to lie, sit or stand in various positions depending on where the scan will occur.
Interpreting Your X-ray Results
Different parts of your body absorb X-ray beams differently depending on their density; dense material, such as bones and organs absorb more radiation than less dense materials such as tissue or skin. As a result, an image produced on metal film displays dense material like your bones as white while soft tissues like organs show as shades of gray.
A radiologist examines your film and reports the results to your physician. If any abnormalities are discovered during the examination, your physician will discuss these with you and suggest any necessary treatment options.
Call Lawndale Medical Clinic in Houston, TX and serving East End, and Pasadena, TX, at (713) 924-4907 to schedule your X-ray with our doctors.