Medical X-Rays & Imaging
X-rays were discovered more than 100 years ago as a way to see inside the human body. It is the oldest form of diagnostic imaging and is still used today.
What Is an X-Ray?
An X-ray uses a focused beam of radiation and a special detector to obtain images of body anatomy. While these images are not as detailed as those produced by advanced imaging tests such as MRI and CT, they are more than adequate for diagnosing certain suspected conditions, such as broken bones or kidney stones, or blockages within the body’s digestive system.
Digital X-Ray & Fluoroscopy at A.T. Radiology
A.T. Radiology uses two advanced versions of X-ray tests at our centers: Digital X-ray and fluoroscopy. Digital X-ray uses a special computer to capture images, rendering film-based X-rays obsolete. Fluoroscopy is simply a type of X-ray that enables the evaluation of movement within the body, usually within a joint such as the shoulder or knee. It is also used to guide interventional radiology procedures, such as pain injections.
Preparing for Your X-Ray
For most X-rays, no special preparation is required, however, the following tests also use X-rays and do require you to follow the preparation instructions prior to your test. Please inform the technologist or a patient representative if you are pregnant.
An Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder taken after a special dye is injected into your vein.
Instructions:
- Drink four 8-ounce glasses of water between 1:00 pm and 10:00 pm the day BEFORE your exam.
- On the day of your exam, you may have coffee, water, or juice until 3 hours prior to the exam.
- You may also take medication with water, as prescribed by your physician.
A Barium Enema is an X-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. During this procedure, barium sulfate is injected into the colon.
Special instructions:
- DAY BEFORE EXAM: Clear liquids at noon and supper meals. Eat no solid food. Drink six 8-ounce glasses of water between 1:00 pm and 9:00 pm. At 5:00 pm drink one bottle of Citrate of Magnesia (10 ounces). At 8:00 pm take two Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) pills.
- DAY OF EXAM: Insert one Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) rectal suppository upon arising. No solid food. You may have coffee, water, or juice until one hour prior to the exam.
An Upper GI Series is a series of X-rays of the esophagus. The X-rays are taken after the patient drinks a barium solution.
Special instructions:
- DAY BEFORE EXAM: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
