X-Ray Edi
                     
A simple tool with big resul ts
Most people have had an X-Ray at some point in their life, and in fact these days it is a common diagnostic tool used across 
medical  examinations. Yet, there are still concerns about the possible eects of radiation. This leaflet helps you understand 
everything you  need to know about an x-ray.
What is an X-Ray? 3
An x-ray is produced when invisible electromagnetic radiation passes 
through  the body and strikes a sensitive screen placed on the other side of 
the body.
X-rays are absorbed into tissues and bones at varying degrees, depending 
on  their composition and mass. For example, bones are dense and do not 1/
allow  much radiation to penetrate, so they show up as white images. Lungs 
on the  other hand, are filled with air and will appear darker. 5
1
DO X-RAYS HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO FOR AN X-RAY? The dose of radiation in an x-ray is very small. In 
fact,  in an x-ray, a patient receives approximately 
While you don’t need to prepare for an x-ray, it’s best to remove any  one fifth
jewellery worn on the part to be scanned. For certain X-rays like KUB,  of the radiation one would normally be exposed to in a 
abdomen or lumbar spine, you may need to fast the night before in year,  or around the amount received during a transatlantic 
order  to keep the gas in the abdomen minimal. Your visitors will need flight.
to wait  outside while you are in the x-ray room. So in the interest of accurate diagnosis, the benefits of 
an  x-ray would outweigh any potential risks.
For a radiographer however, this could be an occupational  
hazard and that’s why he or she will stand behind the 
2 screen  to protect against excess radiation.
Pregnant women must inform their doctor or radiographer 
HOW IS AN X-RAY CONDUCTED?  of their condition. Unborn children are still developing 
and  therefore more sensitive to radiation than adults. 
Depending on which body part is being examined, the radiographer will Taking  special care of the womb area, x-rays of areas like 
ask  you to sit, stand or lie down in certain positions. You will not feel any  the  hand or the chest are safe.
sensation during an x-ray. The procedure takes between 5 to 10 minutes,  
but you may be asked to wait while the radiographer checks the images.
Before you leave, you will be informed about when to collect your reports. Taking an x-ray is simple and must not be avoided,  
especially if your doctor has requested it. An x-ray is  
vital to your diagnosis, and therefore to your 
treatment.
OF THE R ADIATI O
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Your Neighbourhood 
Hospital
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Marg
11th Road, Khar (W), Mumbai-400 052.
For Appointments: 022 4510 8989 /  6154 8989
For Emergency: 022 2646 9911 /  6174 6099
www.hindujahospital.com/khar
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