X-rays are fast, easy, and painless. Once the X-Ray machine is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, the x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image digitally.
Generally, two or three X-rays will be taken depending on the body part that is being viewed. You will be asked to remain as still as possible during the very short exposure time. If necessary, you will be instructed to hold your breath to prevent motion from blurring the images.
X-ray exams generally take around 20 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities.
We recommend that you wear comfortable, athletic-style clothing. If your clothing has metal or other objects in or on it (zippers, buttons, etc.), you could be asked to change into a gown to eliminate the interference metal objects have with the imaging technique.
There is no pre-exam preparation for an X-ray. Touchstone offers X-rays by appointment or on a walk-in basis.
Getting an X-ray involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays, or radiation like light or radio waves, pass through most objects, including the body. X-rays are safe when properly used by radiologists and technologists specially trained to minimize exposure. No radiation remains after the radiograph is obtained.