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| GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY (X-RAY) |
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A general radiography (X-ray) can be done on the chest, abdomen, pelvis, skull and extremity. It involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal organs.
When x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts by different parts of the anatomy. Ribs and bones, for example, will absorb much of the radiation and therefore appear white or light gray on the image. Lung tissue and other internal organs absorb lesser radiation and appear darker on the image. In this manner, a "picture" of the body part is formed. |
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COMMON USES OF GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY
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Chest and bone x-rays are very common examinations.
A chest x-ray is usually done for the evaluation of lungs, heart and surrounding anatomy.
Bone x-ray is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bones, cracked skull and injured backbone. At least two films are taken of a bone, and often three films, if the problem is around a joint (knee, elbow or wrist). |
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| PREPARATION |
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| The procedure requires no special preparation. |
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| Caution to pregnant women |
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| However, as x-rays are involved, it is not advisable that pregnant women undergo the procedure, especially those in the early stages of pregnancy. To prevent unnecessary irradiation of the foetus, female patients will be asked for the date of their last menstrual period. This is especially important in examination of the lower abdomen and pelvis. Generally, 10 days from the beginning of the last menstrual period is considered a safe period for x-ray examinations. |
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| HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED? |
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You may be requested to change into an x-ray gown to avoid metallic items on clothing such as buttons and zippers. You will also be asked to remove jewellery, eyeglasses and any metal objects that could obscure the image. |
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Once you are positioned in the required pose with the x-ray plate, you may be asked to take a deep breath and hold still. The radiographer will go to another small room or cubicle and activate the x-ray equipment which will send a beam of x-rays to the positioned area. You need to keep still as any movement will lead to an unsharp picture and an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. |
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When the x-rays are completed, you will be asked to wait till the radiographer and radiologist examine the images to determine if more images are needed. |
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| WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING THE PROCEDURE? |
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| This is a painless procedure. The only discomforts are the coldness of the x-ray plate, and sometimes having to hold onto an uncomfortable position for a short time in order to obtain a clear image of an injury. Any movement can blur the image and make it necessary to repeat the procedure to get a useful, clear picture. |
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| WHEN CAN I EXPECT RESULTS? |
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| The radiologist will review the images and send the report to your doctor, who will then discuss the scan results with you. You may also be requested by your doctor to hand the films directly to him. |
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| BENEFITS |
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X-ray imaging is useful in diagnosing bone and joint injury and diseases, such as fractures, infections, arthritis and cancer. |
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As x-ray is fast and easy, it is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment. |
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X-ray equipment is relatively inexpensive and widely available in physicians' offices, ambulatory care centres, nursing homes and other locations, making it convenient for both patients and physicians. |
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| RISKS |
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Exposure to radiation. During a single x-ray exposure, a patient is exposed to about 0.06 - 2mSv of radiation. To put this into perspective, we are all exposed to approximately 3mSv of radiation each year from souces like ultraviolet rays of the sun and small traces of radioactive isotopes, such as uranium found in soil. |
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Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. |
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| X-RAY SERVICES AVAILABLE |
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| LOCATIONS WHERE X-RAY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE |
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Health Promotion Board
Jurong East
Paragon
Gleneagles
Arcade
Novena |
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