An x-ray is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body.
There is no special preparation required for most bone x-rays. You may be asked to change into a gown before your examination and remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any metal objects during the exam. Always inform the technologist if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.
- An x-ray exam may take anywhere from 5 minutes to a half hour depending on your study.
- You may be positioned standing or sitting or perhaps lying down on an x-ray table depending on exactly the type of exam or the body part being imaged. Cushions or supports may be used to help you hold the proper position.
- The technologist will step behind a radiation barrier and ask you to hold very still and may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds.
- The x-ray equipment is activated and the x-rays penetrate the body part and are detected after they exit a special detector device.
We have three x-ray suites at Peninsula Imaging. X-rays to not require an appointment and are done as a walk-in service with your doctors order.