X-rays can be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of inpatient care.

Before your exam:

Radiation during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Always tell your radiographer or physician if you suspect you may be pregnant.

During your exam:

1. You will be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that might interfere with the exposure of the body area to be examined. You will be given a gown to wear if clothing must be removed.
2. You will sit or lie down on an X-ray table that carefully positions the part of the body that is to be X-rayed between the X-ray machine and a cassette containing the x-ray film. Some examinations may also be performed with the patient in a standing position. Body parts not being imaged may be covered with a lead apron (shield) to avoid X-ray exposure.
3. The X-ray beam will be focused on the area to be photographed.
4. You must be very still or the image will be blurred.
5. The radiographer will step behind a protective window and the image is taken.
6. Depending on the body part under study, various X-rays may be taken at different angles, such as the front and side view during a chest X-ray.