How-Tow Prepare For an X-Ray Exam

We all want our stay in the hospital to be as quick and unobtrusive as possible so that we can carry on with our daily routines. Here are some recommendations in order to have a safe, accurate and fast radiolography/fluoscopy exam.

For general x-ray exams, clothing without snaps, buttons, or zippers will increase the possibility of not having to remove clothing. Some logos or t-shirt images can show up on our x-rays now as well. To avoid having to undress, wear something like a plain t-shirt and knit pants.

Image: X-ray artifacts. The lettering “peace” can be seen above, as well as the metal rings on the belt.

For fluoroscopy exams, we will often have the child dress in gowns so we do not get contrast on clothing, which can stain it. But again, lack of snaps, zippers, and buttons will increase the likelihood of being able to stay dressed even if we put a gown over clothing.

Image: Contrast opacifying the stomach and small intestines.

Regarding the length of exams, most general x-ray exams take less than 30 minutes (many taking closer to 10 minutes) plus time for registration. The length of fluoroscopy exams varies. The information that is sent by the Call Center will specify up to an hour for most of these exams. The exceptions are a small bowel follow through, which can take several hours depending on how long it takes the contrast to move through the bowel. An enema can sometimes take slightly longer than an hour depending on how long it takes the patient to evacuate the contrast at the end of the exam.

Susan Smith, Radiology Manager, author; Glenn Miñano, BFA, editor; Meredith Towbin, copy editor