What you need to know before undergoing x-rays & bull; hello healthy

X-rays or X-rays, which in Indonesia are better known as X-rays, were discovered by a German physicist named Wilhelm Roentgen, on November 8, 1890 to be precise. non-invasive procedure) so that the medical world is greatly helped by this finding. For his achievements, Roentgen was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1901.

When is an X-ray needed?

X-ray examination is one of the supporting tests of diagnosis in addition to laboratory tests. X-rays are done to look for fractures or fractures, monitor their progress, and determine the type of treatment to be given.

Disease conditions that require X-rays for example are arthritis, bone cancer, lung disease, digestive problems, enlarged heart, kidney stones, urinary tract stones, and ingestion of foreign substances.

Are x-rays any risks?

X-rays use very little radiation, so the amount of exposure is still considered safe for adults. Unlike the case with a fetus in the uterus, so pregnant women usually carry out radiological examinations with other types that are safer such as MRI.

In addition, some X-ray examination conditions require swallowing or injection of a contrast agent so that the photo results of the area you want to see can be clearly illustrated. The usual contrast used is a type of iodine to which some people can cause allergies. Allergic reactions that can occur are redness of the skin, itching, and nausea. In very rare cases anaphylactic shock, severe hypotension and heart attack can occur.

Types of chest X-ray examination

PA (Postero-Anterior) Projection

How to examine a chest photo with PA (Postero-Anterior) projection, namely:

• A beam is emitted towards the film through the back (posterior) of the patient. Usually, the patient will be asked to stand upright with the anterior (stomach) region attached to the film.
• Hands turn around the waist to lift the shoulder blades so that the lung region is not covered.
• The patient is asked to take a deep breath when the beam is fired so that the thoracic cavity can expand to its maximum, the diaphragm will be pushed into the abdominal cavity (stomach) so that it can produce a natural image of the lungs / heart. This examination can only be done in the radiology room

AP projection (Antero-Posterior)

How to examine the chest X-ray with AP (Antero-Posterior) projection, namely:

• AP projection can be performed on the patient in a supine, sitting, or supine position but the trunk angle is 45 or 90 degrees from the plane.
• This procedure is usually performed on patients who cannot move (mobilize) due to various causes, often occurring in post-surgical patients.
• The tool used is a photo tool portable .
• The results of AP projection photos usually produce image quality that is less good than PA projection

Lateral projection

How to examine the chest X-ray with lateral projections, namely:

• This position is performed according to the indications for both right lateral and left lateral
• This is usually done when it is necessary to make a diagnosis that is not obtained by other projection photographs.

Preparations that must be done before undergoing X-rays

Based on the type of preparation, X-Ray examinations are divided into:

Unprepared conventional radiography

Patients can be photographed immediately upon arrival.

Conventional radiography with preparation

• Examination of the abdominal (stomach) organs requires fasting for several hours or eating only certain foods so that the intestines can be clearly visualized without any closure of the stool.
• During a urinary tract exam, you will be asked to lie on your back with your hands away from your body. And before the examination you will be asked to drink a lot of water or hold your urine so that you can see a good picture of the bladder (bladder).
• The chest examination of the posterior anterior projection (PA) is performed in a standing position, the shirt should be lowered to the waist. You will be asked to hold your breath while the photo is taken.
• If X-rays are taken of the skull area, hair clips or ornaments, glasses and dentures should be removed.

Other technical preparations as follows:

• Wear comfortable and loose clothing that is easy to open, but some hospitals will be given a dress to wear.
• Remove jewelry, watches or tools containing metal on the body. If you have metallic implants in the body from a previous surgery, report it to the doctor immediately as the implants will block the X-Ray rays from penetrating into the body.