About X-ray
Some internal organs—such as kidneys, blood vessels and the organs of the gastrointestinal tract—can best be visualized on X-ray film when the patient ingests a contrast material. This blocks nearly all photons and makes tissues in which the contrast is distributed appear bright white. The contrast medium may be given orally, intravenously or rectally, depending upon the area to be studied.

What to expect
At RAS, all imaging procedures are performed by licensed technologists, many with specialized certifications. Exams are interpreted or “read” by board-certified radiologists.

Because metal and hard plastic are dense and absorb X-rays and therefore interfere with the image, you will be asked to change in to a gown for many exams. The technologist will take you into a specially designed lead-lined room, which prevents X-ray energy from penetrating the walls and exposing people in adjoining rooms. Depending on the part of your body under examination, you may be asked to stand up, sit down, or lie down for the views. The technologist will gently position you for proper imaging.

You will be asked to remain as still as possible during the very short exposure time. If necessary, you will be instructed to hold your breath in order to prevent motion from blurring the images. After the technologist has determined that the images are technically satisfactory, you may leave. The images will be interpreted by the radiologist, and a report will be delivered to your physician. You should contact your physician about five days after your exam to obtain the results, unless your doctor has given you different instructions.

Patient preparation
Most X-ray exams do not require any special preparation. You may be required to change into a patient gown, depending on the body part being X-rayed. You may be asked to remove jewelry or other metallic materials that could interfere with transmission of X-rays to the film. Be sure to inform the X-ray technologist before the exam if you are pregnant.

If your exam will require use of a contrast medium, please see the specific instructions for your procedure. While X-rays at this dosage are generally safe, unborn fetuses are more vulnerable to cell damage from them. If you are pregnant, we can modify the exam or postpone it if necessary. The radiologist and/or your physician will make that decision.

Side effects and complications
Routine diagnostic X-rays ordinarily produce no side effects, but repeated exposure to X-rays can cause some cell damage. Please let us know before your exam begins if you may be pregnant. Although the adult body soon repairs itself, exposure poses greater danger to young children and unborn fetuses. Modifications may be made in the exam to safely accommodate women during their first trimester of pregnancy.

Follow-up care
A routine X-ray exam itself requires no follow-up care. For procedures with contrast media, you will be given any post-procedure instructions.