Inform the health care provider prior to the exam if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have an IUD inserted.

How the Test Will Feel   

There is no discomfort from x-ray exposure. Patients may be asked to stay still in awkward positions for a short period of time.

Risks  

During a single radiograph, a small fraction of the x-rays pass right through the body. The remaining photons are absorbed by tissues in the body. The energy of the absorbed photons can break apart (ionize) compounds, and this may cause cell damage. Most cell damage is soon repaired. However, some is permanent.

For the exposures encountered in conventional radiography, the risk of cancer or heritable defects (due to damaged ovarian cells or sperm cells) is very low. Most experts feel that this low risk is largely outweighed by the benefits of information gained from appropriate imaging. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image.

Young children and developing fetuses carried by pregnant women are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays. Women should tell health care providers about suspected pregnancy.

This procedure is performed at all facilities