General Radiography (X-rays)

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is a quick and painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body, particularly your bones. X-ray beams pass through your body (or parts of your body) and dense materials such as bones will appear white and less dense tissues such as muscles will appear in shades of grey. That is why X-ray tests are commonly used to diagnose fractured bones or joint dislocation.

Fluoroscopy is a special form of X-ray. Using fluoroscopy, X-ray images can be viewed like an X-ray movie, and the radiologist can see internal organs, like the colon, in motion. Fluoroscopy also helps the radiologist understand how some organs work and if they are working well.

How do I access this service?

If you feel discomfort or pain in your body, please talk with your family physician or primary health care provider. You may then be referred to us for an X-ray.

How is the test performed?

• Horizon’s teams of medical radiation technologists (MRTs) and radiologists perform X-rays and analyze results.
• Although you are being exposed to ionizing radiation, your physician has weighed the benefits of the information obtained from your procedure, against the risk of ill effects from the radiation you receive and knows the benefits far outweigh the risks.
• Your technologist has been well trained and is bound by standards of practice to keep your radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable. Technology has also allowed us to provide optimum results while minimizing your exposure.
• Sometimes extra views of an area may be needed to better demonstrate anatomy or pathology. Your technologist will ensure that each view helps provide the information needed for a diagnosis.

How do I prepare for an X-ray?

• You should wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothes. You may be required to change into a hospital gown, which will be provided.
• Other instructions will be given to you by the health care team as you prepare for your X-ray. Different tests require different preparations. For example, some tests may require you to not eat or drink for several hours before your test. Another test may not have any restrictions.
• It is important patients follow the correct preparation instructions for the test to be performed properly. If you are having an X-ray and are not sure of how to prepare for it, please call your local X-ray department.
• If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant, please inform the technologist. That way, an assessment can be made of your specific situation to determine any risk to an unborn child. If it is decided that the possibility of pregnancy is too high, you may be asked to come back at a later date for your X-ray examination.
• Please remove any glucose monitor (CGM) devices. Remember, all of the components of your CGM or monitoring system could be damaged and must not be exposed to X-rays, CT scans, MRI, any radiation and/or strong electromagnetic fields.
• Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to prevent it from being lost or stolen, for they may have to be removed prior to entering the examination room.
• Please let us know if you need interpretation services; this can be arranged for you.
• Please remove your insulin pump for your appointment timeframe.

When can I expect to receive test results?

Our staff works to provide health care providers test results in a timely manner. You can expect to receive test results from your health care provider.