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Radiology Back to Radiology Home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the
Radiology Department
How are X-rays images made?
A X-ray image or radiograph, is produced when a small amount of radiation
passes through a body part and is recorded on film, video or computer to
produce a black-and-white anatomical image. Areas that are difficult
for X-rays to penetrate, such as bone, appear white on the X-ray film.
Areas that the X-rays penetrate easily, such as the lungs and other areas
filled with air, appear black. Soft tissues, vessels and organs appear
as shades of gray on the image depending on their density.
Why do I have to change clothes before my
exam?
Buttons, zippers, elastic bands, snaps, etc. all show up on your films
and can cover up part of what we are imaging. For most exams, you will
be asked to change into a gown and remove clothing with anything on it that
can interfere with the accuracy of our images.
Why do I have to hold my breath when a
X-ray is taken?
When you breathe and your diaphragm moves, this movement can blur the
image. You will also be asked to hold very still while your X-ray is
being taken.
Do I have to wait after my X-rays are taken?
You will be asked to wait while we check your films to make sure they are
of good diagnostic quality. For some exams we also have the
radiologist check your films before you leave. This should only take a
few minutes. Occasionally the radiologist will request additional
films to be taken while you are here.
Will I feel anything when I get an X-ray?
X-ray imaging itself is painless. If you are having a non-invasive
procedure, the only discomfort should be lying flat on a hard table or a
cold feeling if your skin comes in contact with some of the equipment.
Some movements may be uncomfortable to you if you have a fracture or other
problems like arthritis that limit your ability to move. Please tell
the technologist and he or she will help make you as comfortable as
possible. If you are having an invasive procedure, please check our
angiography page on this web site.
What is fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopic imaging yields a moving X-ray picture. The radiologist
can watch a dynamic image of the patient's body. The latest systems
have the ability to acquire radiographs and fluoroscopic images using
digital acquisition. This gives us additional control over image
quality and can allow lower doses of radiation. All of the
fluoroscopic rooms at Salina Regional are using the new digital imaging
technology.
How do I get the results of my X-rays?
The radiologist will study your films and dictate a report, which is sent
to your personal physician. Your physician should contact you with the
results. Because he or she has all your medical history it is best to
get your results directly from your doctor so he or she can advise you if
anything further needs to be done.
How should I prepare for my x-ray examination?
The physician who schedules your test should give you instructions to
follow prior to your x-ray if any are needed. A brief overview of the
examination and preparation needed may be seen by clicking on the exams
listed on the diagnostic home page.
If I have allergies can I take X-ray contrast
(dye)?
Allergies to shellfish or iodine need to be pre-medicated before you are
injected with contrast media. Tell your doctor about your allergies.
You will be asked again about any allergies before you have a test that
involves taking contrast material and the technologist or nurse will make
sure you are pre-medicated.
Is there any risk to me from the radiation I will
receive?
Tests that use ionizing radiation use a very small amount of radiation
and this is often similar to what you would get from natural background
radiation in everyday life. We are all exposed to radiation everyday
from various sources including color TV sets, cell phones and natural
background exposures. Although no adverse health effects have been
directly linked to low-dose radiation, most physicians are very careful
about ordering radiological tests. Be sure to ask your physician if
you have any questions regarding the necessity of such a test. Many
medical imaging tests do not use radiation.
MRI and ultrasound are two examples
of imaging that do not use radiation. The small amount of risk
associated with imaging using ionizing radiation can be well worth the
benefits obtained by making a diagnosis that can help treat or cure your
illness.
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