Summary of the article
What is an X-ray ?
An x-ray is a visualization of different organs of the body using an X-ray tube. This tube emits X-ray beam that passes through the material. Depending on the nature of the tissue, the X-rays will be more or less attenuated and will give a contrasted radiological image.
It is mainly used to study the skeleton and joints, but it can also be used to analyze the soft tissues of the thorax (lungs, breasts) and abdomen.
It is used as a first step in the diagnosis of fractures, osteoarthritis or bone deformities. At the lung level, it detects tissue lesions, infections or tumors. At the abdominal level, it is mainly stones or digestive affections that are visualized.
The radiology room includes an examination table with an X-ray tube and a control panel separated by a leaded screen to protect the radiology technician.
How is an x-ray performed ?
Radiography is made by a radiology technician and potentially by a radiologist.
You will be asked to leave your radio-opaque clothing (visible on the X-ray because of its resistance to the penetration of X-rays), especially clothing containing metal.
During the examination, you will be placed against the examination table in various positions that the operator will help you to achieve. You should not move so that the image is not blurred and you may be asked to do some apneas.
This examination is very quick, usually not exceeding 10 minutes.
Preparing for an x-ray
No preparation is necessary. You do not need to fast, so you can eat, drink and take your medication as usual.
On the day of the examination, please remember to present the following documents to the secretariat :
Your health insurance card ("carte vitale") and complementary health insurance card ("mutuelle")- Your prescription
- Your previous reports and images related to the condition which will allow a comparison and a better follow-up (X-ray, ultrasound, scanner, MRI...)
Image interpretation
The results will be given to you at the end of the examination if a radiologist is present. He will comment the images and ask you some questions. Remember to inform him/her of any medical history that could help in the diagnosis.
If a tele-radiology service is implemented, the results will be communicated via a web platform. You will then have a login ID to access your reports and images online via a secure connection to a patient portal.
If the results of the X-ray are not sufficient, additional tests may be prescribed by the radiologist.
What are the risks of an X-ray ?
The photons generated by the X-ray tube have ionizing properties. X-rays are therefore an irradiating imaging technique and there may be effects on exposed cells, particularly in younger patients.
However, the very low doses received during a standard radiography are largely acceptable and make the risk very low compared to the medical benefit. Thus, in the vast majority of cases there is no reason to fear the appearance of deterministic effects. Random biological effects are not known with certainty.
A major contraindication is pregnancy, as for all examinations that expose to radiation. It is therefore imperative to report any possible or current pregnancy so that precautions can be taken.
Radiography categories
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