X-ray Exams

Definition

X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves that can be focused into a beam, much like a flashlight beam. Unlike a beam of light, however, X-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body.

When X-rays strike a piece of photographic film, they can produce a picture. Dense tissues in the body, such as bones, block (absorb) many of the X-rays and appear white on an X-ray picture. Less dense tissues, such as muscles and organs, block fewer of the X-rays (more of the X-rays pass through) and appear in shades of gray. X-rays that pass only through air appear black on an X-ray picture.

• Abdomen and Chest X-ray
  An abdominal X-ray provides a picture of structures and organs in the abdomen, such as the large and small intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, and diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity.
• Fluoroscopy Exams
  Includes: Cystogram, Esophagus, Lower GI Series, Small Bowel, Upper GI Series
• Spine and Skull X-ray
  
• Upper and Lower Extremity X-ray
  An extremity x-ray produces a picture of your hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, knee, or leg.
• Urology
  Includes: Cystogram, Intravenus Pyelogram (IVP), Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCU)