An x-ray is a handy tool in diagnosing injuries and illnesses in patients. It allows medical professionals to get a closer look at the site of the problem so that they can treat it correctly and quickly.
If you’ve never gotten an x-ray before, you might not know where to get it or what the process is. We have all the information you need right here, so keep reading to learn more!
What is an X-Ray?
X-rays are completely painless tests that allow medical professionals to see inside the human body without any invasive procedures or surgeries. X-rays are fast and do not hurt; they’re simply meant to help a doctor make a diagnosis.
What Do X-Rays Look For?
X-rays are done for a variety of reasons and can look for lots of different health issues in the body. Most commonly, x-rays are taken to examine the bones. These x-rays help doctors locate fractures, infections, dental problems, osteoporosis, arthritis, and even cancer.
In the abdomen, x-rays look for digestive tract issues or accidentally swallowed items.
Chest-x-rays help doctors identify infections, cancer, heart conditions, or blocked blood vessels.
What to Know
- Before your x-ray, wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily removed. You will most likely have to undress the area of your body that needs imaging. Depending on the type of x-ray you’re getting, you may be given a “contrast medium.” This liquid helps make the x-ray images a lot clearer. It’s often swallowed but can also be injected or given as an enema.
- During the x-ray, you will be asked to hold as still as possible so that the x-ray images come out clearly. In some cases, you may be held in place with pillows or sandbags as support so that you are more comfortable.
- After the x-ray has been taken, you don’t have to worry about lingering side effects or pain since this is a noninvasive procedure. If you were given a contrast medium, take care to drink lots of fluids to wash it out. If this medium was given as an injection, and you feel pain or swelling near the injection site, let your doctor know immediately.
- Results will be interpreted by a doctor. The x-ray technician is solely responsible for taking the x-ray images, but they will not interpret them for you or give you a diagnosis. Emergency x-rays may be available immediately, but in general, you may have to wait a few days.
Where Can I Get an X-Ray?
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is still going on, it is still possible to safely get an x-ray taken for injury. Your best bet for a safe x-ray from a qualified technician is at an urgent care center. If you’re in need of an immediate x-ray, simply book your same-day x-ray at your local urgent care center.
Looking for an x-ray in Aurora Havana and nearby towns in Aurora, CO? Make sure you check out our nearby urgent care center for x-rays in Aurora, CO that never requires an appointment. Just visit our clinic and come in as a walk-in patient!
