X-ray examination, in short X-ray, or colloquially X-ray or X-ray is one of the basic tests used in the diagnostic imaging of a number of diseases - including injuries and fractures, problems with the respiratory and digestive systems, dental problems, and even suspicions tumors. X-ray examination is simple and quick, and it is also effective and non-invasive - yet it cannot be done very often. Do I need a referral for an x-ray? How to prepare for an X-ray and what are the contraindications for this examination?

X-ray , i.e. an examination or an X-ray image (X-ray) is one of the most popular diagnostic imaging methods. Due to the fact that the x-ray is not indifferent to he alth, this examination may only be performed on the doctor's orders.

Therefore, the answer to the questionis it necessary to referto the X-ray examination is: yes - and this is the case both in the case of X-ray examinations, which are performed under the National He alth Fund, and X-ray examinations, for which the patient pays out of his own pocket.

What is X-ray examination?

X-ray imageallows you to detect changes - including injuries, inflammatory, degenerative or cancerous changes - and abnormalities in the body's organs, e.g. lungs, teeth, abdominal cavity and bones and ponds. The result of the X-ray examination helps the doctor to make the correct diagnosis - e.g. confirm a disease or rule it out.

X-rays are used during X-ray - X-rays emitted by the X-ray machine. During the examination, a beam of these rays is emitted for a short time and in a specific place - due to the fact that the tissues absorb them in different ways, any deviations from the norm are visible on the X-ray image.

X-ray examination - types and indications

The most frequently performed X-ray examinations are X-rays of the spine, X-rays of the chest, and X-rays of the abdominal cavity. X-ray is also often performed in dentistry, especially in root canal treatment. In this way, you can also examine the uterus and reproductive organs - X-ray examination of these organs is called HSG.

The most common indications for X-ray examination include:

  • suspicion of an injury or assessment of its severity
  • suspected post-traumatic changes
  • suspicion of degenerative defects
  • suspected development changes
  • pain within the examined area
  • suspicion of multiple diseases of the respiratory or urinary system
  • pains in the musculoskeletal system
  • emergencies - e.g. pulmonary edema, suspected perforation of the digestive system or obstruction of an organ (e.g. intestine)
  • suspected inflammation
  • suspicion of neoplastic changes
  • smoking (smokers should have a chest X-ray once a year).

X-ray examination - how to prepare?

Although the X-ray examination is simple and quick, some types of X-ray should be properly prepared.

  • In the case of a head X-ray (eg sinus X-ray), spine X-ray, chest X-ray or lung X-ray, remove earrings, chains, clips and any metal parts that may affect the test result. Underwear cannot have prints or metal elements, e.g. hooks and eyes.
  • In the case of X-ray of the abdominal cavity and X-ray of the lumbar spine, before the examination, you must take a laxative or a preparation facilitating the elimination of gases for a few days, do not drink carbonated drinks and follow an easily digestible diet, and appear on an empty stomach for the X-ray. The specific method of preparation for the examination often depends on the sensitivity of the apparatus used in the office, so it is worth checking in advance what rules apply in a particular clinic.

X-ray examination - contraindications

There are practically no contraindications for X-ray examination - however, it should be avoided in pregnancy and in children (if it is absolutely necessary, special precautions are taken).

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