Exams & X-rays
Who it’s for:
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Medical exams and X-rays are suitable for a wide range of patients, from children to seniors, when used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as broken bones, infections, or dental issues. They are generally safe, with low radiation doses that often measure lower than natural daily background radiation.
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Key Considerations for Suitability:
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Safety & Precautions: While safe for most, special precautions (such as lead shielding) are taken for pregnant individuals, particularly for pelvic area imaging.
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Conditions: Common reasons for X-rays include diagnosing injuries (fractures, joint dislocations), infections (pneumonia), dental issues (cavities, wisdom teeth), and monitoring chronic conditions like arthritis.
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Alternatives: If X-rays are not suitable, alternatives like ultrasound or MRI, which do not use ionizing radiation, may be recommended.
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Equipment Limits: For advanced imaging like CT scans, patients over 226 kilograms (500 lbs) may not be able to fit in the machine.
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Who Performs the Exams:
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Radiologic Technologists (Rad Techs/Radiographers): Trained professionals who operate the machinery and position patients.
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Radiologists: Doctors who interpret the images.
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Dentists: Perform dental-specific x-rays.
How the procedure works
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Preparation: Patients may need to change into a hospital gown and remove jewelry, eyeglasses, or any metal objects that could interfere with the image.
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Positioning: The technologist will position the patient on an examination table, in a chair, or standing, depending on the area being imaged. Pillows or sandbags may be used to help the patient maintain the correct position.
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The Scan: The technologist steps behind a protective barrier and activates the machine. A beam of radiation passes through the body, with denser materials like bone absorbing more radiation (appearing white) and softer tissues allowing more to pass through (appearing gray).
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Stillness: Patients must remain very still and may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds to prevent blurry images.
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Completion: The process may be repeated for different angles, taking just a few minutes in total.
Comfort and safety
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Radiation Safety Principles (ALARA): Procedures follow the "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA) principle, ensuring the minimum radiation necessary to obtain a diagnostic image.
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Protective Equipment: Lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to shield sensitive body areas from scattered radiation.
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Modern Equipment & Techniques: Digital sensors and faster imaging technologies minimize the time of exposure.
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Strict Regulations: X-ray equipment is subject to strict,, ongoing, federal and provincial regulations (e.g., Health Canada, Radiation Emitting Devices Act) to ensure safety for both patients and operators.
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Pediatric Safety: For children, specialized low-dose techniques are used, and parents are often welcome to provide comfort in the room until the moment of exposure.
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Pregnancy Safety: Patients are encouraged to notify staff if they are or might be pregnant to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.