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X-Rays in Dhakuria

X-rays or Radiographs

Radiographs in Dhakuria

An X-ray, also known as radiography, is a type of imaging used to view the inside of your body. It uses a small amount of radiation to create images of your internal structures. When an X-ray machine is activated, it sends X-ray beams through your body. Different tissues absorb these rays in varying amounts based on their density, which helps produce detailed images.

X-rays are particularly useful for diagnosing fractures, detecting infections, and locating foreign objects in soft tissues. Sometimes, a special contrast substance, like iodine or barium, is used to make certain areas, such as organs or blood vessels, more visible. At Manipal Hospitals, we use X-ray technology to provide clear, accurate images that aid in diagnosing and treating a range of medical conditions.

FAQ's

X-rays are electromagnetic radiation, like visible light. Unlike light, X-rays have more energy and can penetrate through most objects, including the human body. Medical X-rays produce images of tissues and structures within the body. If X-rays travelling through the body also pass through an X-ray detector on the opposite side of the patient, a picture will be created that represents the "shadows" cast by the things inside the body. Photographic film is one sort of X-ray detector, but there are many additional detectors used to make digital images.

A simple X-ray is painless and typically takes less than 15 minutes. It can be performed in either a hospital or a private radiology practice. A radiographer or medical imaging technologist takes X-rays. 

  • You may need to remove any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the X-ray images. You will be given a gown if necessary.

  • You will be asked to lie, sit, or stand, depending on which part of your body is being X-rayed. 

  • The X-ray technician will operate the device from a safe distance or behind a protective screen. A small amount of X-ray radiation is released by the machine and enters your body.

  • Different tissues in your body absorb X-ray beams differently; soft tissues absorb fewer X-rays and appear darker in the image, whereas bones absorb more X-rays and look white.

  • During the X-ray, you should not move. You may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it while the photographs are captured.

  • If you use a wheelchair, you may need to move or be transferred to another chair. This keeps the metal elements of your wheelchair from disturbing the image. 

  • A parent or caretaker can typically accompany a youngster to an X-ray. This will reassure them and hold them still.

Radiography is an X-ray procedure with the same dangers as others. The patient's radiation dose varies depending on the technique, but it is often lower than that received during fluoroscopy and computed tomography procedures. 

The main dangers connected with radiography are the:

  • Minor chances of radiation dose can cause cancer or cataracts later in life.

  • Disrupt embryonic or foetal development (teratogenic defect) when done on pregnant or childbearing patients. 

  • When a person has a medical necessity, the benefit of radiography outweighs the minor cancer risk connected with the operation.

An X-ray procedure normally lasts less than 15 minutes. This is determined by the number of bodily parts checked, as well as your mobility (ability to move about) and overall health. In most circumstances, the area being checked must be observed from multiple angles to acquire sufficient information to make a diagnosis, which may necessitate moving into different positions.

For example, a basic chest X-ray on a healthy and consenting patient could take less than a minute. A patient requiring X-rays of the entire spine, pelvis, both shoulders, and both legs may take 45 minutes. People with impairments and children will take longer, especially if they struggle to remain still, cooperate with, or understand the radiographer's directions throughout the X-ray examination.

The amount of time it takes to get findings from an X-ray or plain radiograph can vary. A radiologist often needs a few hours to several days to analyse and interpret the images.

Results from an X-ray for a routine checkup may be ready in a few days. Preliminary results can occasionally be given more quickly—within a few hours—for critical circumstances, like emergencies. You will receive information from your healthcare practitioner regarding the anticipated timeframe and method of results delivery.

  • Avoid applying lotions, creams, or perfumes. 

  • Remove any metal items, such as jewellery, hairpins, or hearing aids. 

  • Stop eating and drinking several hours before your GI X-rays. 

  • Wear comfortable clothing or change into a gown before the X-ray procedure.

  • If you are pregnant or think you might be, inform your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust the procedure to protect the foetus.

While X-rays are not commonly used to detect cancer, they can occasionally reveal abnormalities that indicate the existence of malignant growths. However, more tests are typically required to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

Yes, dental X-rays use a lower dosage of radiation than medical X-rays. They're specifically developed to take photos of the teeth, gums, and jawbone to aid dentists in diagnosing oral health problems.

Yes, certain types of X-rays, such as mammograms for detection of breast cancer and chest X-rays for tuberculosis screening, are routinely utilised in certain populations. However, X-rays are not an efficient screening tool for all medical disorders.

In general, X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely required. Although the radiation dose from a single X-ray is usually minimal, it is nevertheless critical to limit foetal radiation exposure. If an X-ray is required during pregnancy, your doctor will take steps to limit radiation exposure to the foetus.

X-rays are not painful, although children may feel some discomfort or worry during the treatment, especially if they are required to remain still for an extended period of time. Healthcare providers can assist children in overcoming their concerns and pain by explaining the treatment in a child-friendly manner and offering distractions or support as needed.