The thought of going through a medical procedure is nerve-wracking for a lot of patients, but it is essential for diagnosing an illness, infection or injury. One example is a digital X-ray imaging exam, which is used for exploring the abdominal area, bones, joints and soft tissues. The best way to get through a medical procedure is to make sure you are prepared for it. Use the following tips to prepare for your digital X-ray exam.
Dress Comfortably For The Exam
You should always wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your digital X-ray. You may need to change into a medical gown for the exam, and it is easier to remove items such as a t-shirt and sweatpants. There is also a chance you are not going to change into a gown, but it is easier to move around in comfortable clothing.
Leave The Accessories At Home
Accessories such as jewelry, eyeglasses and removable dental appliances must be removed before your exam. It is best to leave these items at home or in the waiting room with a friend. Metal pieces can disrupt the exam and damage the final images. If your clothing includes metal pieces such as zippers and buttons, you may be asked to change into a gown.
Know What To Expect
There is more to preparing for a digital X-ray imaging exam than just dressing appropriately. It also helps to know what to expect during the procedure. You are going to be greeted and escorted to the exam room by a friendly technician. This is when you are going to remove your accessories and possibly change into a medical gown. When you are ready for your exam, you are going to lie on a table or stand next to a cassette holder. The technician activates the equipment from behind the radiation barrier, and you are going to hold still for several seconds as they take the images.
Remember, a digital X-ray is a painless procedure that uses a low dose of radiation. It only takes 10 to 30 minutes to complete a digital X-ray exam.
It is important to schedule your digital X-ray imaging exam and get an accurate diagnosis of your medical condition.
