What is an X-ray
An X-ray exam consists of an electromagnetic wave that is passed through the body. The wave encounters differing materials, such as tissue, organs and bones, which have varying absorption densities. This allows an image to be produced showing the structure of your inner body.
An X- ray operates by using a machine to project a beam through your body and unlike normal light found in light radiation, x-ray radiation is passed through your body. A detector then captures the radiation that comes out of your body as an image, namely a radiograph.
A radiograph is created as a result of the X-rays being absorbed differently by different structures or organs in your body. Structures inside your body that are dense, such as your bones, absorb X-rays and show as light grey on the radiograph. Less dense structures, like the air in your lungs, let X-rays pass through them and show up as dark grey on the radiograph.
An X-ray is a painless procedure and can be used to help to diagnose and monitor a number of different health conditions. For this purpose, there are different types of X-ray examinations that can be performed. Some of the most common types are:
