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By Mayo Clinic staffAn X-ray machine produces an X-ray beam using a tube that is carefully focused on the body part being examined. The machine produces a tiny burst of radiation, at a safe level, that passes through your body and records an image on film or on a specialized plate.
As X-rays pass through your body, different tissues absorb different amounts of the radiation. This creates varying levels of radiation exposure on the X-ray film. For example, your bones are dense and absorb radiation well, so bones appear light on the film. But soft tissues, such as your skin, fat, muscles and organs, allow more radiation to pass through them, which makes them appear in varying shades of gray. Structures containing air, such as your lungs, appear dark.
X-rays are performed at most doctors' offices, dentists' offices, emergency rooms and hospitals — wherever an X-ray machine is available. If you need an X-ray, you're brought to a room with an X-ray machine and table- or wall-mounted equipment containing X-ray film or a specialized plate for digital recording.
The process
As you lie, sit or stand between the X-ray machine and the X-ray film or plate, the technologist or a doctor who specializes in interpreting X-rays and other imaging tests (radiologist) positions your body to obtain the necessary views. He or she may use pillows or sandbags to help you hold the proper position. The technologist then aims the machine at the area of your body that needs examination. For dental X-rays, the dentist or dental hygienist places a small piece of film in your mouth, behind the teeth being X-rayed. You're asked to bite down on the paper tab around the film, to hold the film in place. Some dentists are beginning to use digital X-rays, which use an electronic sensor instead of film to digitally record images that can be viewed and stored on a computer.
Once you're in the proper position, the technologist enters a shielded control booth. During the X-ray exposure, you remain still and hold your breath to avoid moving, which can cause blurring of the images on the film. The technologist may take X-rays from multiple angles — for example, one from the front and one from the side of your chest.
An X-ray procedure may take only a few minutes for a bone X-ray, or more than an hour for more involved procedures, such as those using a contrast medium.
Your child's X-ray
If a young child is having an X-ray, restraints or other immobilization techniques may be used to help keep him or her still. These will not harm your child and will prevent the need for a repeat procedure, which may be necessary if the child moves during the X-ray exposure. You may be allowed to remain with your child during the test. If you remain in the room during the X-ray exposure, you're typically asked to wear a lead apron to shield you from unnecessary exposure.
Discomfort
For most X-rays, you feel no discomfort other than the hardness of the X-ray table or the temperature of the room, which may be kept cool to keep the equipment from overheating. It may be necessary to compress momentarily the body part being examined. This compression may be uncomfortable, but the discomfort lasts only briefly during the X-ray exposure. If you're having a test that requires contrast medium, ask your doctor what to expect.
Resuming normal activities
After an X-ray, you generally can resume normal activities. Routine X-rays usually have no side effects. However, if you receive an injection of contrast medium before your X-rays, call your doctor if you experience pain, swelling or redness at the injection site. Ask your doctor about other signs and symptoms to watch for pertaining to your specific X-ray procedure.
