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X-ray

The term “X-ray” goes back to the physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen and refers to the medical use of ionizing radiation for imaging. This involves sending a short beam of radiation through the body, which is picked up and analyzed by an electronic detector on the opposite side. A digital image is created from the data obtained, which is then assessed by the radiologist. As different tissues absorb the rays to different degrees, a negative image is created: bones appear very bright because they strongly shield the radiation, while soft tissue is visible in various shades of gray because it allows more rays to pass through.

What is x-rayed?

Grundsätzlich kann jeder Körperteil geröntgt werden. Die häufigsten Röntgenaufnahmen sind Bilder von Brustkorb und Skelettknochen, mitunter auch in Form orthopädischer Spezialaufnahmen. Das Ergebnis sind konventionelle Röntgenbilder. Falls notwendig, können bei bestimmten Untersuchungen auch Kontrastmittel eingesetzt werden (getrunken oder in die Vene gespritzt).

What is fluoroscopy?

While conventional X-rays only produce one still image at a time, fluoroscopy takes several images in succession, producing up to 15 images per second. These are transferred directly to a monitor and can be viewed similarly to a video. Modern devices are also equipped with movable tilting tables that allow examination in different body positions. Patient cooperation is essential for diagnosis and for keeping the fluoroscopy time short. In addition, contrast agents are often used in these examinations. They are applied depending on the examination region and technique, either orally or injected into a vein.

Information in detail

Swallowing X-ray

									Video cinematography: The examination is used to visualize the pharynx, larynx, oesophagus and stomach. These regions can be examined dynamically and functional disorders can be identified. The doctor can also detect morphological changes such as diverticula, scars and tumors. During the examination, the transport of a swallowed contrast medium through the oesophagus is filmed and then evaluated. In addition to normal liquid contrast agents, a paste or even a food with contrast agent may also be given to swallow. If you often swallow, please inform the doctor before the examination so that he or she can select the appropriate contrast medium for the examination.     								

Stomach X-ray

									The gastric X-ray is used to visualize the stomach and duodenum after oral administration of contrast medium and effervescent powder. It is extremely important to strictly adhere to the preparatory measures for a gastric X-ray: You must not consume any food, drink or tablets 3 hours before the examination and you must not smoke. Important medication can be taken with a sip of water up to 3 hours before the examination. The examination should therefore ideally take place early in the morning.   								

Vein examination (phlebography) for varicose veins

The examination is performed in a slightly inclined table position. After puncturing a vein on the back of the foot, the patient is injected with a contrast agent containing iodine. If you suffer from an allergy to a contrast agent containing iodine, please inform the examining doctor.

The injection of the contrast medium may cause a feeling of warmth. The veins are then assessed directly in the fluoroscopy. In addition, the venous outflow can often be blocked at the beginning in order to keep the contrast medium in the examination area for a while.

Intravenous Urogram (IVP)

									This examination is used to visualize the urinary tract. Contrast medium containing iodine is injected into a vein in the arm for the examination. The amount of contrast medium injected intravenously depends on the body weight. This contrast medium is then excreted by the kidneys. This checks whether there is an obstruction in the urinary tract. X-rays of the abdomen are taken at certain intervals (15 – 30 minutes). An additional image is often taken after micturition.      								

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How harmful is an X-ray?

All diagnostic X-ray examinations are within a safe dose range. Even multiple examinations throughout the year are considered safe.

Are X-rays stored in the body? How does X-ray damage occur in the body?

The X-ray examinations are within a harmless dose range. Even if an examination is repeated several times throughout the year, it is considered harmless.

X-rays are not stored in the body. They pass through the object, are deflected and weakened.

Can a pregnant patient be x-rayed?

									Pregnant women should generally not be x-rayed. Therefore, please report any pregnancy before an examination. If a pregnancy is possible, please choose an appointment so that it can be ruled out by a negative pregnancy test or at least within the first ten days after the last menstrual period.  								

How high is the radiation exposure of fluoroscopy?

Although many images are taken in succession, the radiation dose can be kept low by using “pulsed” X-rays. With pulsed X-rays, only very little radiation is used for each individual image. In addition, modern apertures and pre-filters as well as the “last image hold” ensure a further reduction in the radiation dose.