What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a fast and painless test that produces pictures of the structures inside your body - especially your bones.
What happens during the X-ray?
X-rays are performed at doctor's places, dental hospitals, trauma centers and emergency clinics - any place where an X-ray machine is available. The machine delivers a safe-level degree of radiation that goes through your body and records an image on a specific plate. You can't feel an X-ray.
A technologist places your body to get the needed views. The person might utilize cushions or blocks to assist you with holding the position. During the X-ray exposure, you stay still and some of the time pause your breathing to try not to move so the image doesn't obscure.
An X-ray method might require only a few minutes for a simple X-ray or longer for more-involved procedures, like those utilizing a contrast medium.
