PLAIN AND CONTRAST X-RAYS

by admin

23 Mar
2009

No preparation is necessary for plain X-rays, and other than the small amounts of radiation, there is no risk. They usually can be repeated as often as necessary. The most common X-rays are those of the chest, spine, bones, skull, and abdomen.

You may wonder why your physician repeats X-rays. An X-ray not only is useful to make a diagnosis but also may be necessary to follow the outcome of treatment. For example, a chest X-ray, probably the most common, gives a picture of the heart and lungs. It can be used to diagnose heart failure or pneumonia and will probably be repeated on a number of occasions to make sure that the therapy has been successful.

Contrast X-rays require that a chemical substance be swallowed, injected, or given as an enema. The substances used for the “contrast” appear on the X-ray and are excreted or metabolized by the body later. They usually do not have side effects, unless you are allergic to iodine, which is contained in some of these substances. If you have had a reaction to iodine during an X-ray procedure in the past, inform your physician whenever an X-ray is ordered.