Discuss the fees associated with your prescribed procedure with your doctor, the medical facility staff and/or your insurance provider to get a better understanding of the possible charges you will incur. The costs for specific medical imaging tests, treatments and procedures may vary by geographic region. This website does not provide cost information. To locate a medical imaging or radiation oncology provider in your community, you can search the ACR-accredited facilities database. Please contact your physician with specific medical questions or for a referral to a radiologist or other physician. ![]() This ensures that the areas of your body not being imaged receive minimal radiation exposure. Modern x-ray systems minimize stray (scatter) radiation by using controlled x-ray beams and dose control methods. National and international radiology protection organizations continually review and update the technique standards radiology professionals use. ![]() See the Radiation Safety page for more information about pregnancy and x-rays.Ī Word About Minimizing Radiation Exposureĭoctors take special care during x-ray exams to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. Women should always tell their doctor and x-ray technologist if they are pregnant.See the Radiation Dose page for more information. The radiation dose for this procedure varies.However, given the small amount of radiation used in medical imaging, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the associated risk. There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation.X-rays usually have no side effects in the typical diagnostic range for this exam.No radiation stays in your body after an x-ray exam.Because x-ray imaging is fast and easy, it is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment.This makes it convenient for both patients and doctors. X-ray equipment is relatively inexpensive and widely available in emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, ambulatory care centers, nursing homes, and other locations.Radiology examinations can often provide enough information to avoid more invasive procedures.Abdominal x-ray imaging is a painless, minimally invasive procedure with rare complications.The entire abdominal x-ray examination, from positioning to obtaining and verifying the images, is usually completed within 15 minutes, although the actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a second. When the examination is complete, the technologist may ask you to wait until the radiologist confirms they have all the necessary images. The standing position will allow the radiologist to see if there are any blockages or perforations in your digestive tract. The technologist may ask you to lie on your side or to stand up for additional images. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine. This helps reduce the possibility of a blurred image. You must hold very still and may need to hold your breath for a few seconds while the technologist takes the x-ray. The x-ray machine will be positioned over your abdominal area. You may be asked to wear a lead shield to help protect certain parts of your body. The technologist will position you on the x-ray table. See the X-ray Safety page for more information about pregnancy and x-rays. Abdominal ultrasound is a common, safe alternative for pregnant women. The ovaries and uterus cannot be shielded during the abdominal x-ray because of their location. An abdominal x-ray is usually not performed on pregnant women so as not to expose the baby to radiation. Women should always inform their physician and x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. ![]() Women should inform their physician and x-ray technologist, an individual specially trained to perform radiology examinations, if they have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted for pregnancy prevention. You may be asked to empty your bladder before the test. You should inform your physician if you have had a barium sulfate contrast material x-ray or if you have taken any medicines such as Pepto Bismol in the last few days, as they may interfere with the x-ray. Remove jewelry, removable dental appliances, eyeglasses, and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images. You may need to remove some clothing and/or change into a gown for the exam. ![]() An abdominal x-ray requires no special preparation.
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