X-ray Imaging
An x-ray (radiograph) is a non-invasive medical imaging test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. An x-ray exposes a specific part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
Digital X-rays at Wellstar
Digital x-ray is an advanced form of x-ray imaging, where digital x-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. With digital technology, less time and radiation is required to produce images. The advances also allow radiologists and other physicians to review the images immediately and to digitally transfer or enhance them.
X-rays are an especially versatile form of medical imaging and can be used to diagnose conditions and infections in nearly every part of the body. They are used to examine broken bones, fluid build-up in the lungs, infections, cancers, abnormal growths and more.
Different parts of the body absorb x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation. Soft tissue, such as muscle, fat and organs, allow more of x-rays to pass through them. Air does not block x-rays at all. As a result, bones appear white on an x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black. Radiologists have specialized training to interpret the final images for any abnormality.
Because x-rays involve exposure to radiation, concerns arise about the risks, especially if you have x-rays regularly. Wellstar technologists and radiologists always use the smallest possible dose of radiation necessary and provide protective lead aprons when multiple x-rays are necessary.
Wellstar uses state-of-the-art equipment and innovative digital systems integrated into all of its x-ray technologies to ensure quality images at minimum dose levels. With improved equipment positioning and examination accuracy, we can ensure maximum patient comfort and reduced need to reposition patients or take repeat images.
Understanding fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a real-time x-ray imaging method used to diagnose or treat patients by displaying the movement of a body part or an instrument or a contrast agent through the body. Instead of taking a single x-ray image, fluoroscopy often requires a large series of x-ray images to make it possible to see internal organs in motion.
Fluoroscopy is used in many types of examinations and procedures. Some of the more common ones include:
- Barium swallows and enemas to view evaluate the gastrointestinal tract
- Angiograms to direct the placement of a catheter, assess blood flow, and perform angioplasty
- Hysterosalpingograms to assess fallopian tube patency for infertility
- During orthopedic surgery to view fractures and optimize repair
Because x-rays and fluoroscopy involve exposure to radiation, concerns arise about the risks, especially if you have x-rays regularly. Wellstar technologists and radiologists always use the smallest possible dose of radiation necessary. Protective lead aprons and shields are used to protect parts of the body outside the region of interest when multiple x-rays are necessary.
A number of imaging examinations fall under the category of fluoroscopy and each require their own specific preparations, procedures and post-examination requirements. For each examination, you will be asked to provide your medical history, review it with a technologist and asked to put on a gown before undergoing the fluoroscopic examination.
As with any examination involving x-rays, you may be required to remove clothing and any jewelry or other objects from the area of your body to be examined. You should also inform your radiologist or another Wellstar physician if you believe you might be pregnant or if you are allergic to barium or other contrasts.
- Barium Swallow
- Small Bowel Series
- Colon Barium Enema
- Intravenous Pyelogram
- Hysterosalpingogram
- Cystogram
- Venogram
- Arthrogram
- Myelogram
Small Bowel Series
For a small bowel series examination, you will need to eat a light dinner the day before your exam, and then refrain from drinking or eating after midnight. Pediatric patients must not have anything to eat or drink four hours before the exam.
At the start of this procedure, a radiologist will take a preliminary image of your abdomen. As you drink a large amount of barium, the radiologist will take images throughout your exam to trace the barium’s flow into your small bowel system. Once your small bowel is filled, the radiologist will take more images.
This exam takes between one to four hours.
After the examination, you will need to drink plenty of fluids to flush the barium out of your system. You may have a white stool for a few days after your procedure. If you experience constipation, ask your Wellstar physician if you should take a laxative. Otherwise, you may resume normal activities after the examination.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
For an intravenous pyelogram to examine your urinary system, you should refrain from eating or drinking after midnight before your exam. If you are taking Metformin-Glucophage®, Glucovance®, Metaglip®, Avandamet® or generics of these medications, you will need to discontinue the medication before or at the time of the exam. Do not resume your medication without physician approval.
At the start of the procedure, a technologist will take a preliminary image of your abdomen. A needle will be placed in your arm to administer a contrast. After the contrast (x-ray dye) is injected, images will be taken at timed intervals.
This exam takes about an hour.
You will be given discharge instructions after the examination.
Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram, an exam to study the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the surrounding area, is usually scheduled between Day 6 and Day 10 after the onset of your menstrual cycle. You must refrain from any sexual intercourse from the day you start your menstrual cycle to the day of your exam. This helps ensure that there is no chance of pregnancy during the examination.
For this procedure, a technologist will assist you into the proper position on the exam table, similar to one in a gynecologist’s office. After the radiologist cleans and drapes your lower pelvis, a speculum will be inserted into your vagina followed by a catheter placed into the uterus. A small amount of contrast (x-ray dye) will be injected through the catheter. After images are taken, the catheter and speculum will be removed.
This exam takes about an hour.
After the exam, you will be given special discharge instructions. You may want someone to drive you home. If you experience some spotting and cramping, an extremely common occurrence, you may take ibuprofen as directed. You should refrain from inserting anything in the vagina for 48 hours post procedure to minimize your risk of infection. This includes avoiding any sexual activity for 48 hours. In the case of spotting, please use an external pad and not a tampon.
Cystogram
A cystogram, which obtains images of the urinary tract, requires no initial preparation.
For this procedure, a urinary catheter is inserted into your bladder to administer a contrast (x-ray dye). When your bladder is full of the contrast material, the radiologist will take images and then remove the catheter. For some exams, you may be asked to empty your bladder as images are taken. Additional images will be taken after you have finished urinating.
This exam takes about an hour.
You may resume normal activities after the exam.
Venogram
A venogram obtains images of vessels and muscles in the legs and arms. If the exam has been ordered for your legs, you should wear comfortable shoes due to possible soreness after the contrast is injected.
If you are taking Metformin-Glucophage®, Glucovance®, Metaglip®, Avandamet® or generics of these medications, you will need to discontinue the medication before or at the time of the exam. Do not resume your medication without physician approval.
For this procedure, a small needle is placed in the hand or top of the foot so that a contrast (x-ray dye) may be injected into your legs or arms to visualize your veins. Once all images are completed, the needle is removed, and you may resume normal activities.
This exam takes about an hour.
Arthrogram
An arthrogram, which examines your joints, does not require special preparation before the examination. But you should notify your WellStar physician if you are claustrophobic because you may be scheduled for a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) upon completion of this exam.
For this procedure, a technologist will take preliminary images of the area under examination. The radiologist will numb the joint, insert a needle and inject the contrast into the joint. The radiologist removes the needle and takes images of the joint.
This exam takes about 45 minutes.
After the exam, you will be given special discharge instructions. You will need to relax for the remainder of the day and may need a warm compress for the examined area.
Myelogram
A myelogram is an exam designed to detect disorders of the spinal cord and spinal nerves and requires an extended outpatient and, sometimes, an inpatient visit to the hospital.
The day before the exam you will be prescribed a liquid diet. You should refrain from taking tricyclics, phenothiazines or thioxanhenes for 48 hours before and for 48 hours after the examination.
You should refrain from taking anti-platelet medications, such as aspirin and Plavix®, and anti-coagulant medications, such as Coumadin®, heparin or Lovenox®, before the myelogram. Please call your physician for instructions on stopping these medications.
On the day of the exam, you will check into the hospital, where you will need to provide your medical history, have your vitals, such as blood pressure taken, and have an IV access line started.
For the procedure itself, you will lie on your stomach on the examination table. A radiologist will numb an area of your lower back and insert a needle. A contrast (x-ray dye) will be injected through the needle and into your spinal cord. The radiologist will remove the needle and take images of your spine. After the myelogram, you will have a computerized tomography (CT) scan for more detailed images.
After the myelogram and the CT scan, you will be taken back to your hospital room for four to six hours for observation. It is important for you to lie in bed with your head and upper body elevated at approximately 40 to 45 degrees during this period to minimize the risk of headache. You should be still as possible, but you may go to the bathroom.
In regards to food and drink intake, you should drink as many fluids as possible, and you may eat solid foods.
You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home upon discharge and refrain from driving or operating dangerous machinery for at least 24 hours. You should refrain from heavy lifting for 48 hours.
X-rays
X-rays
When most people think of radiology, they think of X-rays. These scans safely use external radiation to develop images of the body, its organs and other internal structures to diagnose bone injuries, tumors and other disorders in the chest, musculoskeletal system and abdomen.
Our Technology
When the body undergoes X-rays, different parts of the body allow varying amounts of the X-ray beams to pass through. The body's soft tissues (such as blood, skin, fat and muscle) allow most of the X-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film. A bone or tumor, both of which are denser than soft tissues, allows fewer X-rays to pass through and appears white on the film. When you have a broken bone, the X-ray beam passes through the broken area and appears as a dark line in the white bone.
X-ray technology is also used in other types of diagnostic tests and procedures, such as interventional radiology, computed tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopy.
Our leading-edge digital technology ensures that we can obtain the highest detail scans at the lowest possible X-ray dose to ensure patient safety.
Our Standards of Care
At Augusta University Health, CT plays a key role in disease management. Thanks to the expertise of our CT team, we are able to meet and beat national standards of care:
- Stroke care. We meet the requirements of the American Heart Association for CT imaging and reports within 30 minutes of patient arrival - ensuring that patients can receive clot-busting drugs within a three-hour window.
- Trauma care. Our 24/7 CT team ensures that patients arriving at our Level-1 trauma center receive a CT scan as soon as our trauma medicine physicians need it.
- Cancer care. We work closely with the Augusta University The Georgia Cancer Center to diagnose and follow cancer patients.
Patient Comfort
As technology improves, so does patient comfort. Because Augusta University Health has the latest CT technology available, we are able to complete scans in seconds. This is particularly helpful in certain scans where you must hold your breath, if you are claustrophobic, or during cardiac scans.
Our adult CT scan room is also painted with a restful forest theme to create a pleasant atmosphere. For our younger patients, we offer a "kitten scanner": Children may choose a stuffed animal to have a "CT scan" while we explain what happens during the scan, helping to calm any fears or anxiety.
Preparing for Your Procedure
X-rays can be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of inpatient care.
Before your exam:
Radiation during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Always tell your radiographer or physician if you suspect you may be pregnant.
During your exam:
- You will be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that might interfere with the exposure of the body area to be examined. You will be given a gown to wear if clothing must be removed.
- You will sit or lie down on an X-ray table that carefully positions the part of the body that is to be X-rayed between the X-ray machine and a cassette containing the x-ray film. Some examinations may also be performed with the patient in a standing position. Body parts not being imaged may be covered with a lead apron (shield) to avoid X-ray exposure.
- The X-ray beam will be focused on the area to be photographed.
- You must be very still or the image will be blurred.
- The radiographer will step behind a protective window and the image is taken.
- Depending on the body part under study, various X-rays may be taken at different angles, such as the front and side view during a chest X-ray.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy
A moving X-ray - that is the best way to describe fluoroscopy, which uses X-ray technology and contrast material to obtain a moving image of a specific organ.
Radiologists typically use fluoroscopy to diagnose disorders of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon as well as the uterus, bladder, and rectum - in addition to other organs. Interventional radiologists, interventional neurosurgeons and interventional cardiologists may also use fluoroscopy to view organ structures during IR, neurovascular or cardiac catheterization procedures.
Our Technology
In fluoroscopy, advancements in technology make an impact on both time and radiation exposure. Our industry-latest technology means that many of our studies take very little time to complete, reducing radiation exposure and improving patient comfort.
In addition, our skilled radiologists use industry best practices such as continuous pulses - rapid pulses every four seconds - which also help reduce radiation exposure but still ensure a high-quality image.
Our Services
Our radiologists provide both inpatient and outpatient fluoroscopy for adult and pediatric patients. Our specialized services include:
- Swallowing studies, to evaluate anatomical issues such as narrowing, pouching, or motility problems that affect your ability to swallow
- Defecography, which examines the shape, position, and movement of the rectum as it empties
- Other digestive health imaging studies, to support the Augusta University Digestive Health Center
- Pre- and post-bariatric surgery evaluation
- Myelography, which injects a contrast medium into the spine to look for causes of pain, such as injury, cysts, or tumors
- Spinal epidural steroid injections, to treat pain
- Lumbar puncture to remove and examine spinal cord fluid
- Joint injections or joint fluid aspirations (removal), to diagnose and treat pain or loss of mobility
Patient Comfort
As technology improves, so does patient comfort. Because Augusta University Health has the latest CT technology available, we are able to complete scans in seconds. This is particularly helpful in certain scans where you must hold your breath, if you are claustrophobic, or during cardiac scans.
Our adult CT scan room is also painted with a restful forest theme to create a pleasant atmosphere. For our younger patients, we offer a "kitten scanner": Children may choose a stuffed animal to have a "CT scan" while we explain what happens during the scan, helping to calm any fears or anxiety.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Before your exam:
Your radiologist will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your fluoroscopy. You may be asked to not eat or drink anything eight to 12 hours before your exam or to cleanse the large intestine with a prep kit. Advise your physician if you are on any medications.
During your exam:
- During your fluoroscopy exam, you may be asked to swallow a contrast material, a substance that helps your organs show up more clearly during the imaging study. Contrast materials may also be delivered through an injection, a catheter or, in certain cases, an enema.
- During the exam, you will lie down on the X-ray table. If you need a catheter, it will be inserted at this time.
- A special X-ray scanner is used to produce the fluoroscopic images of the body structure being examined or treated.
- The type of care required after the procedure will depend on the type of procedure done. Certain procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, will require a recovery period of several hours with immobilization of the leg or arm where the cardiac catheter was inserted. Other procedures may require less time for recovery. Your radiologist will give more specific instructions related to care after the examination or procedure.