X-ray
X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film or digital media. Standard X-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries.
When the body undergoes an X-ray scan, different parts of the body allow varying amounts of the X-ray beams to pass through. The soft tissues in the body (such as blood, skin, fat and muscle) allow most of the X-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film or digital media. A bone or a tumor, which is more dense than the soft tissues, allows few of the X-rays to pass through and appears white on the X-ray. At a break in a bone, the X-ray beam passes through the broken area and appears as a dark line in the white bone.
X-ray technology is used in other types of diagnostic procedures, such as arteriograms, computed tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopy.
Radiation during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Always tell your technologist or physician if you suspect you may be pregnant.