X-Ray: A simple tool with big results
                     
A simple tool with big 
results
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 euects of radiation. This leaflet 
helps you understand everything you  need to know about an x-ray.
What is an X-
RAany ?
3
x-ray is produced when invisible electromagnetic radiation 
pthaes sbeosd tyh raonudg hstrikes a sensitive screen placed on the other side 
of the body.
X-rays are absorbed into tissues and bones at varying degrees, 
tdheepire ncdomingp oosnition and mass. For example, bones are dense and do 1/5
nmoutc ahl lorawdiation to penetrate, so they show up as white images. 
oLuthnegrs  hoann dth, eare filled with air and will appear 
darker.
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 
While you don’t need to prepare for an x-ray, it’s best to approximately one fifth
rjewmeollveer ya nwyorn on the part to be scanned. For certain X-rays of the radiation one would normally be exposed to 
alikbed oKmUBe,n or lumbar spine, you may need to fast the night in a year,  or around the amount received during a 
btoe fkoerep i nth oer dgears in the abdomen minimal. Your visitors will transatlantic flight.
onuetesdid teo  whaiilte you are in the x-ray So in the interest of accurate diagnosis, the 
room. benefits of an  x-ray would outweigh any 
pFoort ean rtaiadl iorigskras.pher however, this could be an 
occupational  hazard and that’s why he or she will 
2 stand behind the screen  to protect against excess radiation.
Pregnant women must inform their doctor or 
HOW IS AN X-RAY CONDUCTED? radiographer  of their condition. Unborn children 
are still developing and  therefore more sensitive 
Depending on which body part is being examined, the to radiation than adults. Taking  special care of the 
ryaodui otgor saipt,h setra nwdil lo ars lkie down in certain positions. You will not womb area, x-rays of areas like the  hand or the 
fseenls antiyon during an x-ray. The procedure takes between 5 to 10 chest are safe.
minutes,  but you may be asked to wait while the radiographer 
cBheefocrkes  ytohue liemaavgee, sy.ou will be informed about when to collect Taking an x-ray is simple and must not be 
your reports. avoided,  especially if your doctor has 
requested it. An x-ray is  vital to your diagnosis, 
and therefore to your treatment.
OF THE R ADI ATI O
N