Types of X-rays involving a contrast agent include: This can help show soft tissues more clearly on the X-ray. In some cases, a substance called a contrast agent may be given before an X-ray is carried out. The procedure will usually only take a few minutes. More than one X-ray may be taken from different angles to provide as much information as possible. While the X-ray is being taken, you'll need to keep still so the image produced isn't blurred. The X-ray will last for a fraction of a second. You won't feel anything while it's carried out. They will operate the machine from behind a screen or from the next room. The X-ray machine, which looks like a tube containing a large light bulb, will be carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined by the radiographer. Having an X-rayĭuring an X-ray, you'll usually be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surface so that the part of your body being examined can be positioned in the right place. Try to avoid wearing jewellery and clothes containing metal (such as zips), as these will need to be removed. It's a good idea to wear loose comfortable clothes, as you may be able to wear these during the X-ray. X-rays aren't usually recommended if you're pregnant unless it's an emergency. However, you may need to stop taking certain medications and avoid eating and drinking for a few hours if you're having an X-ray that uses a contrast agent.įor all X-rays, you should let the hospital know if you're pregnant. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand and can continue taking your usual medications. You don't usually need to do anything special to prepare for an X-ray. For example, during a coronary angioplasty – a procedure to widen narrowed arteries near the heart – X-rays can be used to help guide a catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) along one of your arteries. X-rays can also be used to guide doctors or surgeons during certain procedures.
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