X-Ray

Radiography/X-Ray

Radiography, known to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. For nearly a century, diagnostic images have been created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the human body, capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on a photographic, or digital, plate.

X-rays allow physicians to perform a quick evaluation, often detecting diseases in the early stages, improving the chances for recovery. X-rays can also rule out the presence of disease, reduce the need for invasive surgery, and provide a guide for surgeons when surgery is unavoidable.

On the day of the exam, patients are asked to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to their scheduled exam time to complete paperwork and change clothes, if necessary. Patients should also bring their written prescription from their physician with them to the exam. There are no special preparations required for most radiographic procedures. However, patients should inform their physician if they are taking GLUCOPHAGE (METFORMIN) OR GLUCOVANCE (GLYBURIDE/METFORMIN) for a diabetic condition, as these medications can interfere with the screening.

This service is available at the following locations:

Imaging Center
of Southern Illinois

Imaging Center
at Wolf Creek

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“The tech was very nice to my five year old son, and she made him feel not
as nervous”

“My nine year old daughter’s x-rays were handled graciously by the whole staff.”

During the procedure, a radiologic technologist will assist patients onto a padded exam table or into a chair, and a film cassette (plastic plate) is placed under the table or directly under the area of the body to be imaged. Sandbags, sponges, or pillows may be used to help hold patients in the proper position. The technologist will then exit the room and head to an adjacent room. Patients will be instructed to hold still, without moving or breathing, for a few minutes while the X-ray is being taken. The technologist will reposition the patient for additional views, and the whole process is repeated several times. The entire procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes. Test results are interpreted by the technologist, who will dictate a written report, which will be forwarded to the referring physician within 24 to 48 hours of the completion of the procedure.

As a general rule, women should always inform their doctor and radiologic technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant, or if they are breast feeding. The referring physician, in conjunction with the radiologist, will determine if the procedure is appropriate or whether another diagnostic procedure should be recommended.