X-ray

What is an x-ray?

X-ray is the traditional form of diagnostic imaging and continues to meet the clinical needs for simple routine assessments. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures inside the body. Most radiology exams are painless. Here at Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC we have equipment that operates using the lowest possible amount of radiation necessary for quality images.

What are some common uses of x-ray?

  • Identifying and treating of bone fractures
  • View, monitor or diagnosis joint injuries and infections, arthritis, artery blockages, abdominal pain
  • Locate foreign objects in soft tissue
  • Detection and diagnosis of advanced forms of cancer (i.e-mesothelioma) (Early screening for suspected cancer is greatly improved by use of computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI))

    

How should I prepare for an x-ray?

A requisition form is required from your referring physician. Please bring this completed form with you at the time of your appointment.

Please inform the technologist, if there is any possibility, that you are pregnant.

  • No special preparation / instruction is required for most general x-rays
  • You may be asked to change into a gown
  • You will need to remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any metal objects
  • In some cases, you are provided with a lead apron to protect areas of the body not being examined

What should I expect during this exam?

You will be greeted by our experienced, certified x-ray technologist; an important member of the medical team. The technologist will escort you to the exam room. The x-ray exam usually takes 5 to 30 minutes.

  • You will be asked to stand near a film holder or lie on an exam table for positioning.
  • Placement of a film cassette is positioned next to the area of the body to be imaged.
  • Pillows may be used to help you hold the proper position.
  • The technologist steps behind a radiation barrier and asks you to hold very still, without breathing for a few seconds.
  • The x-ray equipment is activated, and radiation exposure to the film occurs.
  • You may be repositioned for additional views and the process is repeated.
  • When your x-rays are completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist checks the images.

What will I experience during an x-ray?

  • X-ray imaging is painless.
  • Some discomfort may result from lying on the table, a hard surface that may feel cold.
  • Sometimes, to get a clear image of an injury such as a possible fracture, you may be asked to hold an uncomfortable position for a short time. Any movement could blur the image and make it necessary to repeat the procedure.

How do I obtain results?

At Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, we have a radiologist on site at all times so the test will be interpreted and result will be phoned, faxed, mailed, or delivered electronically to the referring physician. The referring physician will share the results with you.

To schedule an X-ray at Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, please choose the nearest location.

For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.

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