Digital X-rays (Radiographs)

An x-ray is a non-invasive procedure that involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce images of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

An x-ray is used to:

  • Determine whether a bone is dislocated or broken (fractured)
  • Assist in the detection and diagnosis of cancer
  • Screen for lung and heart diseases
  • Diagnose the cause of cough or chest pain
  • Evaluate abdominal pain
  • Locate objects that may have been accidentally swallowed by a child
  • Diagnose spine instability, scoliosis and other spinal defects

Digital X-ray services provided by Premier Radiology:

  • Abdominal series
  • Chest
  • Extremities
  • Facial bones
  • Intravenous pyelograms (IVP)
  • Myelograms
  • Orbits
  • Skull
  • Spine

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What will I experience during an x-ray examination?

The technologist, will position you on the x-ray table. They will place the x-ray film holder or digital recording plate under the table in the area of your body being imaged. When necessary, sandbags or pillows will be used to help you hold the proper position. The technologist might place a lead apron over your pelvic area to protect it from radiation.

You must hold very still and might be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine.

You might be repositioned for another view and the process repeated. At least two images (from different angles) will be taken and often three images are needed if the problem is around a joint (knee, elbow or wrist). An x-ray might also be taken of the unaffected limb for comparison purposes.

If you have a young child who is having an x-ray, restraints might be used to help keep him or her keep still. You might be allowed to remain with your child during the test. If you remain in the room during the x-ray exposure, you will be given a lead apron to wear to shield you from unnecessary exposure.

Some x-ray examinations require that you take a special dye, often called "contrast", before the x-ray. Contrast can create clearer images of specific areas inside the body for a more accurate diagnosis. If you are given contrast, you might be asked not to eat or drink anything for four to six hours before the test.

Contrast can be given using an intravenous line (IV) that is placed in a vein in your hand or forearm. Contrast given through an IV might cause a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea and a warm flushing sensation. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.

If you have a contrast allergy you might develop, sneezing, itching, or hives. Very rarely a patient becomes short of breath, develops low blood pressure or has swelling in the throat or another part of the body, indicating a more serious reaction to contrast material that must be promptly treated. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform the technologist immediately.

If you have a mild contrast allergy and require IV contrast, your doctor might choose to treat you with antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test. The kidneys help filter the contrast out of the body. Therefore, if you have kidney disease or diabetes, you should receive plenty of fluids before and after the test, and be closely monitored for kidney problems. If you have diabetes or are on kidney dialysis, talk to your health care provider before the test about your risks.

X-ray examinations not requiring contrast administration usually take five to ten minutes.

How should I prepare for an X-ray?

  • Bring a copy of the order for the procedure from your referring physician.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your x-ray examination. Metal objects can affect the image, so avoid clothing with zippers and snaps. You may be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any removable dental work that could obscure the images.
  • Take your usual medications.
  • If you will receive intravenous contrast material (x-ray dye) you should drink plenty of clear liquids, but refrain from eating solid food, for 3-4 hours before your examination.
  • Diabetic patients who receive intravenous contrast material for the examination and take Metformin (Avandamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Glucovance, Fortamet, Riomet, ActosplusMet and Metaglip) should discontinue this medication for 48 hours after the x-ray procedure. Metformin should be restarted only after renal function has been evaluated and found to be adequate.2
  • Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

What should I do after an x-ray?

When your examination is over, you may resume your normal daily activities unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. One of our board-certified radiologists will review the x-ray images and send a report to your physician. You can discuss the results of your X-ray examination with your physician.


 

28 White Bridge Road
Suite 111
Nashville, Tennessee
37205

Phone (615) 356-3999
Fax (615) 353-0462