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Debbie, X-ray
Technologist
Preparing for a X-ray:
If your doctor has scheduled you for an X-ray at MedWise, the following gives you some information on what to expect from the procedure. |
X-Ray (Fluoroscopy)
When x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in various amounts by different parts of the body. Common uses of x-ray are to evaluate chest conditions and skeletal injuries.
Interventional procedures
such as central catheter placements, infertility testing and gastrointestinal studies may be performed in an x-ray/fluoroscopy outpatient setting.
MedWise offers a comfortable, relaxed environment to complete x-ray examinations. Our machines provide fast exposures and use imaging devices and special film to minimize radiation exposure. Timely reporting of an acute illness or injury to your healthcare provider is standard practice at MedWise.
What do
I need to do to prepare for an
x-ray?
That depends on what area of the body is being tested.
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For your head, arms, chest, legs and feet, there is no preparation.
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For your GI tract, genitals or urinary system, you will need to fast from food or drink from midnight on, so it is best to schedule it in the morning. You may be asked to use a cleansing agent the night before in order to clean out your system. Your doctor, pharmacist or MedWise staff will provide directions on using the agent.
What
will the x-ray be like?
Once you’ve arrived at MedWise, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. You will need to remove all jewelry from the area that is being x-rayed. If you are having your abdomen x-rayed, you should tell your technician if you have taken any medications containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol, in the past four days, as this may interfere with the test results.
If you are having an upper GI and small bowel series, you will need to drink a 16 – 20 ounce barium ‘milk shake’. The shake has a chalky taste. Once the shake coats the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, you will be asked to lie in a variety of positions while being x-rayed.
What
happens after the x-ray is done?
There is no recovery period. You may resume normal activities and your usual diet.
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