X-Ray Overview

X-rays, also known as “radiographs” or “plain films” are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. Because tests are not always conclusive, sometimes physicians will suggest another imaging test in addition to plain x-rays.

Fluoroscopy is a form of x-ray imaging that enables the radiologist to visualize an organ or area of concern while it is functioning – most commonly, the gastrointestinal system. The fluoroscope is a device that projects radiographic images in a movie-like sequence onto a monitor (TV screen).

Back to Top

X-Ray: What is X-Ray Dye

X-Ray dye, also known as contrast material or contrast medium (not a “dye” at all) is any internally administered substance that has a different density from soft tissue on x-ray studies or CT scanning. Having a different density than soft tissues means the x-ray interacts in such a way that provides “contrast” between adjacent structures. This allows the radiologist to see anatomy more clearly.

Types of contrast include:
Barium or water, used to make parts of the gastrointestinal tract visible on x-ray. Iodine in water, used for arthrography.

Water-soluble iodine, used to make blood vessels visible; to demonstrate the inner structures of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters and bladder); and to outline joints (the spaces between two bones).
Paramagnetic substances used in magnetic resonance imaging.

Allergies to Contrast

It is important to inform the technologist at the time of your examination or procedure if you have any history of reactions / allergies to a contrast agent such as x-ray dye, medications or substances such as latex.

Today there is a low incidence of reaction to contrast. However, the following factors have been identified as increasing the risk for a contrast medium reaction:

Contrast reactions range from mild (nausea, peculiar taste in mouth) to severe (respiratory and / or cardiac arrest). Patients with a history of contrast reaction can be pretreated prior to the procedure (ask your doctor).

At Concord Imaging Center, we use state-of-the-art “non-ionic” contract media. This further reduces the risk of reaction for our patients.

Download our X-Ray Dye document

Back to Top

X-Ray General: Arthrography (Arthrogram)

An arthrogram is the examination of a joint using X-ray. The most common areas studied include the shoulder, knee, or hip. During the examination, the Radiologist, a physician who specializes in medical diagnosis through X-ray, injects a special dye (contrast medium) into the joint space while watching with the X-ray machine. An X-ray technologist will assist in the exam.

What you can expect During the Exam

The technologist will bring you to the exam room. The procedure will be explained to you and you will be asked to sign a consent form.

You will lie on your back on the X-ray exam table. The area around your joint will be washed with antiseptic soap and covered with a sterile drape or towel.

The Radiologist will use a small needle to numb (anesthetize) the area being examined.

A special needle is then inserted into the joint space and the x-ray dye is administered. This dye will coat the structures of the joint making them visible under X-ray

The Radiologist will remove the needle. Then he will ask you to hold various positions while X-ray films are taken.

After the Exam

Your joint may feel tight or slightly painful after the exam. This is normal and should not be cause for concern. Moving or exercising the joint will help this feeling to pass. If you experience prolonged pain following the exam you should contact your doctor.

Depending on your doctor...

• A CT scan or MRI may follow your arthrogram

• Your doctor may leave other instructions for you to follow relative to your health history

The Radiologist will study your test and provide your doctor with a detailed report. Your physician will then discuss the results with you.

Download our Arthrography document

Back to Top

X-Ray Digestive: Barium Enema (Colon X-Ray)

What is a Barium Enema?

This examination provides an evaluation of the lower portion of the digestive system. A Radiologist, a physician who specializes interpreting medical images, and a registered x-ray technologist, who is trained in the use and function of X-ray equipment, perform the test.

What Happens During a Barium Enema

You will need to remove your clothing and wear hospital gowns. Extra gowns will be available to ensure you are completely covered. After you enter the exam room, the technologists or Radiologist may ask you some questions relative to your health.

You will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees slightly bent. A lubricated enema tip will be inserted into your rectum and liquid barium will be released into your lower intestinal system. The barium allows the Radiologist to visualize your intestinal tract on the X-ray machine.

As the barium moves through your system, you may begin to feel full and, may feel the urge to move your bowels. These are normal sensations associated with this test and should not be cause for alarm. The enema tip is specially designed to help you hold the barium. If you feel you are having difficulty controlling your bowels, tell the Radiologist or technologist at this time. By relaxing, taking deep breaths and following directions, you can contribute to the success of the examination.

During the test you will be asked to shift positions several times. This movement helps the barium coat your intestines and allows the Radiologist to see your anatomy from many angles. You will be asked to hold your breath for short periods each time an x-ray taken.

You will then be brought to the bathroom to expel the barium. Occasionally another x-ray is taken of your empty colon.

Afterwards

The barium may color your stools slightly whitish for the next several days. Drinking plenty of water or juices will help the residual barium to pass more quickly

The Radiologist will study your exam and give a detailed report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

Download our Barium Enema document

Back to Top

X-Ray Digestive: Upper GI

What is an Upper GI?

This is an examination of your upper digestive tract including the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and part of small intestine. The test is performed by a Radiologist, a physician who specializes in diagnosis through medical imaging, and a registered X-ray technologist, trained in the use and function of X-ray equipment.

During the Exam

You will be asked to change out of your clothing and into a hospital gown. Extra gowns are available to ensure you are completely covered. After you enter the exam room, the Radiologist or technologist may ask you some questions.

The exam is performed on a special X-ray table which is capable of moving from a horizontal position to vertical. At times during the exam you will be in a standing position and at other times you will be lying down.

You will be asked to drink a cup of liquid barium. This mixture tastes a bit like Milk of Magnesia. It allows your digestive tract to be visualized under X-ray. From time to time during the exam, you will be asked to drink more of the mixture.

You may be given an effervescent mixture to drink as well (similar to alka seltzer). This will help to produce gas, which works with the barium mixture to outline the structures of your digestive tract.

During the exam you will be asked to hold various positions while X-rays are taken. Each time a film is taken, you will be asked to hold your breath. At times, the Radiologist may press on your abdomen and may tilt the table to various angles.

The Radiologist will examine the films to make sure all the necessary information was obtained. Occasionally more films are needed.

Preparation

Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your exam. Follow any additional instructions your doctor may give you.

Your exam should take about an hour from start to finish. Make sure you allow time before your exam to park and check in at the registration desk.

*If your doctor wants a complete study of your small bowel (intestine), your exam could take up to four hours (or more). If this is the case it is important that you plan your day accordingly.

Download this document

Afterwards

The barium mixture may color your stool slightly whitish for the next day or two, and may cause constipation if not passed completely. We recommend you drink plenty of water and/or fruit juices. You will be able to resume your regular diet immediately following the exam, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You may use a laxative afterwards as indicated by your doctor.

The Radiologist will study your exam and provide a detailed report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

Download our Upper GI document

Back to Top

X-Ray Kidneys: Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

An Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder. An IVP study uses a contrast material (x-ray dye) to enhance the x-ray images. The contrast material is injected into a vein (usually where the elbow bends) and its progress through the urinary tract is then recorded on a series of quickly captured x-rays. The exam enables the radiologist to review the anatomy and the function of the kidneys and urinary tract.

The procedure

You will be positioned on an exam table. You will be asked to hold your breath as x-ray equipment moves over you. Several x-rays may be taken during the course of the IVP study. During the imaging process you may be asked to turn from side to side and to hold several different positions to enable the radiologist to capture views from several angles. Near the end of the exam you may be asked to empty your bladder so that an additional film can be taken of your urinary bladder after it empties.

The contrast material used for IVP studies will not discolor your urine or cause any discomfort when you urinate. If you experience such symptoms after your IVP exam, let your doctor know right away.

Preparation

Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your IVP study. You will likely be instructed not to eat or drink after midnight the night before your exam. You may also be asked to take a mild laxative (in either pill or liquid form) the evening before the procedure. Follow the instructions carefully.

Once you arrive at the imaging center you will be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You will also be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses or any metal objects that could obscure the images. Underwear with metallic components should also be removed.

Afterwards

The Radiologist will study your exam and give a detailed report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

Note:
Any woman who is pregnant, or thinks she might be, should let her doctor know before proceeding with the exam

Download our Intravenous Pyelogram document

Back to Top

X-Ray Spine: Myelogram

What is a Myelogram?

A myelogram is an X-ray examination of your spinal cord and canal. It involves inserting a needle into your spinal canal under X-ray guidance and then injecting a special X-ray dye (contrast media) into the spinal canal. This procedure is designed to diagnose potential problems associated with the spinal cord.

The Procedure

The technologist will bring you into the X-ray room. The myelogram procedure will be explained to you and you will be asked to sign a consent form.The physician performs the procedure with assistance from the X-ray technologist(s). You will be instructed to lie on your abdomen or, left side while the table is tilted slightly upward.Your back will be cleansed with an antiseptic soap and covered with a sterile drape or towel. A small needle is used to inject a local anesthetic to numb the area before proceeding. The spinal needle is then inserted and the X-ray dye is administered while the X-ray machine is positioned over you. You may feel a pressure sensation as the dye enters the spinal canal. The needle is then removed and X-ray films are taken. You will be asked to move into various positions in order for the Radiologist to obtain the necessary films to complete you exam.

Preparation

Do not eat or drink anything for 3 hours before your exam. If you take medications, ask your doctor if you should take them before your myelogram.

You will stay in the hospital for several hours (minimum 1 hour) following your procedure. You will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home.

If you are allergic to any medications, or have had a previous allergic reaction X-ray dye, please tell your doctor, the Radiologist or the technologist.

Afterwards

Depending on your doctor...

The Radiologist will review the images from your myelogram and provide a detailed report to your physician. You physician will discuss these results to you and explain what they mean relative to your health.

Download our Myelogram document

Back to Top