X-ray

An x-ray, or radiograph, is an imaging exam that uses electromagnetic radiation to take pictures of structures inside your body. X-rays are ideal for examining bones, joints, teeth, tumors, blocked blood vessels, and areas of dense tissue. Some x-rays, such as chest x-rays, can even help diagnose infections like pneumonia by detecting inflamed, thickened tissue. An x-ray is a quick, painless, and noninvasive exam.

X-rays use ionizing radiation, a type of energy that you can’t feel or see. An x-ray machine sends radiation through your body. A special detector makes images based on how the radiation passes through different structures.

Soft tissues like skin, muscle, and fat allow the radiation to pass through to the detector and show up as gray on the radiograph. Denser structures like bones or tumors absorb more radiation and appear as white on the radiograph.

An x-ray can make images of any part of your body, including your bones, joints, abdomen, chest, and lungs. An x-ray is one type of imaging exam that uses ionizing radiation. Other tests and procedures that use the same technology include:

• Bone density scan: A bone density scan, also called a DEXA scan, is a low-dose x-ray that measures calcium in your bones. We use it to diagnose osteoporosis and assess your risk for fractures.
• Contrast radiography: Sometimes a contrast dye helps structures like blood vessels and organs show up more clearly on an x-ray. We may use this approach to examine your gastrointestinal tract or check for narrowed arteries.

EOS imaging: full-body imaging with less radiation

At Penn Medicine, we offer a special type of x-ray system called EOS that takes full-body images of your spine and weight-bearing joints while you’re in a standing position. It helps us evaluate spinal irregularities, hip dysplasia, knee problems, and other complex musculoskeletal disorders. EOS uses a lower dose of radiation than traditional x-rays or CT scans. This makes it safer for people who have chronic conditions and need frequent scans.

Adults and children can have x-rays. An x-ray may be one of the first diagnostic tests your health-care provider recommends if they think you have an injury, illness, or other health concern. It’s useful for detecting:

• Blockages in your digestive or urinary tract such as kidney stones or bladder stones
• Cancer, tumors, or other abnormal masses
• Dental problems such as cavities or tooth decay
• Musculoskeletal conditions, including bone fractures, joint dislocations, and arthritis
• Problems in your heart or lungs, including pneumonia or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle)
• Swallowed foreign objects or implanted medical devices that may have shifted

A radiation technologist, or radiographer, performs your x-ray. A radiologist (doctor who specializes in imaging) reviews and interprets your scan.

X-rays are available at hospitals, outpatient imaging facilities, some urgent care centers, and even doctor’s offices. Most x-rays don’t require any special preparation. Your care team will tell you if you need to stop eating or drinking before the exam. You don’t need sedation for an x-ray.

During an x-ray, here’s what you can expect:

1. You remove any clothing or jewelry that could get in the way of the x-ray. We may ask you to put on a gown.
2. You sit or stand between the x-ray machine and a digital device that captures the image.
3. The technologist positions you to get the clearest view of the area to be examined.
4. We may cover body parts not being x-rayed with a protective lead apron.
5. The technologist steps into another room and takes one or more x-rays.
6. You may need to hold your breath for a few seconds to prevent blurred images.

A diagnostic x-ray typically doesn’t require any recovery time. You can drive, go back to work, and return to normal activities after the exam. If you have an x-ray with a contrast material, your care team may give you special instructions about drinking fluids or watching for side effects. In some cases, the contrast material can cause a mild allergic reaction or stomach problems.

An x-ray uses ionizing radiation, which does carry a low risk of harming tissue or causing cancer. However, the benefits of x-rays in diagnosing potentially serious conditions outweigh these risks. We only use x-rays when they are medically necessary and use the lowest dose of radiation possible to limit your exposure.

It’s important to tell your provider if you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant. X-rays of the abdomen during pregnancy could harm the fetus (unborn baby). If you are pregnant, your provider may recommend a different imaging exam that doesn’t use radiation, such as an ultrasound or MRI.

Penn Medicine is home to board-certified and fellowship-trained radiologists who are leaders in their fields. We pioneer the latest imaging techniques and use leading-edge equipment to ensure we meet the highest standards of care. Whether you need a routine x-ray or an advanced procedure, you’ll find:

• Recognized expertise: Our radiologists participate and hold offices in major radiology societies. They lecture at national and international meetings, including the Radiological Society of North America and the American Board of Radiology. They also do research, publish articles, and train future generations of radiologists.
• Convenient locations: Penn Medicine offers diagnostic imaging throughout the greater Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Princeton areas. It’s easy to get the tests you need at a time and place that works for you. Wherever you get your exam, you can expect the same level of quality and expertise.
• Specialized care: We have experience in radiology specialty areas such as musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, and breast imaging. We also offer the latest interventional radiology procedures for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of many conditions.