X-ray is an imaging study that takes pictures of bones and soft tissues. X-rays use safe amounts of radiation to create these pictures.  The images help healthcare providers diagnose a wide range of conditions and plan treatments.  

Most often, providers use X-rays to look for fractures (broken bones). X-ray images can help providers diagnose a wide range of injuries, disorders and diseases. X-rays are a safe and effective way for providers to evaluate your health.

People of all ages, including babies, can get an X-ray. If there’s a chance you might be pregnant, tell your provider before getting an X-ray. Radiation from an X-ray can harm your fetus.

Your provider may order an X-ray to:

✔ Check for a broken bone (fracture).
✔ Identify the cause of symptoms, such as pain and swelling.
✔ Look for foreign objects in your body.
✔ Look for structural problems in your bones, joints or soft tissues.
✔ Plan and evaluate treatments.
✔ Provide routine screenings for cancer and other diseases.

An X-ray sends beams of radiation through your body. Radiation beams are invisible, and you can’t feel them. The beams pass through your body and create an image on an X-ray detector nearby.

As the beams go through your body, bones, soft tissues and other structures absorb radiation in different ways. Solid or dense objects (such as bones) absorb radiation easily, so they appear bright white on the image. Soft tissues (such as organs) don’t absorb radiation as easily, so they appear in shades of gray on the X-ray.

Tell your healthcare provider about your health history, allergies and any medications you’re taking. If you’re pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding (chestfeeding), tell your provider before getting an X-ray.

You usually don’t need to do anything to prepare for a bone X-ray. For other types of X-ray, your provider may ask you to:

✔ Avoid using lotions, creams or perfume.
✔ Remove metal objects like jewelry, hairpins or hearing aids.
✔ Stop eating or drinking several hours beforehand (for GI X-rays).
✔ Wear comfortable clothing or change into a gown before the X-ray.

Depending on the type of X-ray, your provider will ask you to sit, stand or lie down on a table.

During the X-ray, your provider may move your body or limbs in different positions and ask you to hold still. You may need to hold your breath for a few seconds so the images aren’t blurry.

Sometimes children can’t stay still long enough to produce clear images. Your child’s provider may recommend using a restraint during an X-ray. The restraint (or immobilizer) helps your child stay still and reduces the need for retakes. The restraints don’t hurt and won’t harm your child.

Although X-rays use radiation (which can cause cancer and other health problems), there is a low risk of overexposure to radiation during an X-ray. Some X-rays use higher doses of radiation than others. Generally, X-rays are safe and effective for people of all ages.

Radiation from an X-ray can harm your fetus. If you’re pregnant, your provider may choose another imaging study, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or ultrasound.

Before an X-ray, be sure to tell your provider if you might be pregnant. X-rays are a safe, effective tool providers use to help you feel better and stay healthy.

Results from a bone X-ray are usually ready within a few hours. Your provider may share your results with you after the X-ray. Results from other types of X-rays (such as a GI test) may take longer. Talk to your provider about when you can expect results.