X-rays allow doctors to take pictures of the inside of the body.
Bones appear white on X-rays. Muscle, fat, and fluid appear different shades
of gray.
There are many different types of X-rays that can be used. It depends on
what the doctor wants to find out and what part of the body needs to be X-rayed.
Why does my child need an X-ray?
X-rays are taken for many different reasons.
The doctor may think that your child has an injury or that parts of her
body are not working right.
X-rays can be used to see if your child's body has changed or if she has
certain conditions.
Dentists use-X-rays to look at the teeth and gums.
What are the benefits?
X-rays give doctors valuable information about the inside of the body.
What are the risks?
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have an IUD, tell the doctor. You
may want to avoid being in the room while your child has the X-ray.
X-rays can cause minor cell damage. The body can fix most of it right away.
Some damage is permanent.
Most doctors think the risks associated with X-rays are very small.
Some children may have an allergic reaction to X-ray dye if it is used.
Is it painful?
X-rays are not painful.
Your child may be asked to hold an awkward position for a short time.
Different kinds of X-rays need different preparation. Ask your doctor to
give you specific instructions.
How is it done?
The test is done by an X-ray technologist or a radiologist. A technologist
is a professional who is trained in taking X-rays. A radiologist is a doctor
trained to take X-rays and then figure out what they mean.
Different parts of the body are used for the test depending on what the
doctor is trying to find out.
Cystourethrogram
A small tube is put in your child's urethra (where she urinates) and
into her bladder.
X-ray dye is dripped into the tube to help the doctor see what is happening
inside the body.
IVP (Intravenous pyelogram or kidney X-ray)
A small needle is inserted in a vein.
X-ray dye is put in the vein to help the doctor see what is happening
inside the body.
Barium/air contrast enema
A tube is put in the rectum (anus).
Barium (a special liquid) or air is put in the tube to help the doctor
see what is happening inside the body.
Barium swallow/Upper G.I.
Your child will have to drink flavored barium or the barium is put in
through a tube in her nose.
X-rays are taken as the barium is put in to help the doctor see what
is happening inside the body.
Ultrasound (sonogram)
Warm jelly is put on the body part that needs to be tested.
A special device called a probe is moved over the body part.
CT (computed tomography, CAT scan)
Child will lie on a narrow table. The table slides slowly through a
machine that is shaped like a circle. (Imagine a ruler being pushed through
the hole of a doughnut.)
X-rays are taken as your child passes through.
MRI, NMR
Child will lie on a narrow table. The table slides into a round chamber
that looks like a space capsule.
X-rays are taken when your child is inside.
Movement can make the X-ray blurry. Your child might be asked to hold her
breath while the X-ray is taken. She may be asked not to move.
Your child may have to wear a restraint to help her hold still.
Your child may need to be sedated (take medication to make her sleep) so
that she doesn't move during the test.
Your child may be asked to take off her jewelry or wear a hospital gown.
What care will my child need after the procedure?
Ask your doctor if your child will need special care after the appointment.
Your child may be able to return home right after the appointment
What do the results mean?
It takes only a few minutes to get X-rays back after they are taken.
A specially trained doctor, called a radiologist, will look at the X-rays
to see what the results are.
The doctor will explain the results.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if you think your child has had an allergic reaction to
X-ray dye.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Quick Answers
X-rays allow doctors to take pictures of the inside of the body.
X-rays are taken for many different reasons depending on what the doctor
wants to find out.
X-rays give doctors valuable information about the inside of the body.
Most doctors think the risks associated with X-rays are very small.
X-rays are not painful.
Different kinds of X-rays need different preparation. Ask your doctor to
give you specific instructions before the test.
Different kinds of X-rays can be used depending on what body part the doctor
wants to look at.
Ask your doctor if your child will need special care after the appointment.
A specially trained doctor will look at the X-rays and explain the results.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns.
References
Duke University. A Parent's Guide to Pediatric Radiology. (cited 2002 March
12).
MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. X-ray. 2001 November 28 (cited 2002 March
12).
Rutherford, K. X-Ray (Radiography). KidsHealth: For Parents. 2001 September
(cited 2002 March 12).
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