| Q: |
Is it safe for me to have x-rays? |
| A: |
A physician only orders if the benefit of having the exam done, outweighs any risk to the patient. Many patients in hospital have daily x-rays to help in their recovery. |
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| Q: |
Can I have an x-ray if I am pregnant? |
| A: |
If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, you must tell the technologist. The ordering physician will be contacted to confirm if the x-rays should then be done. Frequently a pregnancy test is done before a decision is made regarding x-rays being taken, but sometimes extra lead shielding is used, which protects the fetus from the x-rays. |
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| Q: |
What is Lead Shielding? |
| A: |
X-rays cannot penetrate lead shielding. The technologist will position lead shielding over a patient's lap, thereby protecting the gonads from the x-rays. However, this is not done if this blocks the area needed to be viewed, such as lower abdomen, hips, or pelvis. There are (heavy) coats, which also protect from x-rays. |
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| Q: |
Why do technologists go behind a wall before taking am x-ray? |
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A: |
X-ray rooms are built following specific
parameters, and have protection in the walls, so the working
technologist is shielded from radiation. |
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Q: |
How does a technologist know the
equipment and exposure level is safe? |
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A: |
A technologist wears a personal badge while working
that measures any exposure they receive. The badges are evaluated for
exposure levels throughout the year. Equipment testing is done regularly by
both technologists and by the service technicians to confirm that all
equipment is functioning properly. |
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Q: |
How far apart should I be when a portable
x-ray is taken on a patient? |
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A: |
The further away from the x-ray source, the
less intense the x-ray, so stand as far away as possible. A
technologist will clear the surrounding area of people before taking an
x-ray. |
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Q: |
What is Barium? |
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A: |
Barium is a white liquid that is used in
exams of the upper and lower digestive tract. It is a radiopaque
substance, which allows us to see greater detail in the area being
examined. A type of barium liquid is designed to be swallowed, and it
tastes chalky. |
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Q: |
Why do I have to hold my breathe for some
x-rays? |
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A: |
Chest movement from breathing, can cause a
blurred image in an x-ray. Also, a deep breath can be needed from the
patient in order to see lungs better, such as in a chest x-ray. |
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Q: |
What is a pigostat, and why do you use it
for my baby? |
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A: |
A pigostat is a piece of equipment designed
to hold infants and toddlers still for a chest x-ray. It does not hurt
the child in any way, but most start to cry when in it, because they
don't like not being able to move. Inadvertently, the deep breathes
from the crying actually help produce a better chest x-ray because more
air is taken into the lungs. |
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Q: |
What's the difference between CT and MRI? |
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A: |
CT uses radiation to produce a cross
sectional image, whereas MRI uses magnetic waves. St. Thomas Elgin
General Hospital has a CT scanner. |
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Q: |
Is it safe to take my wallet into the
x-ray/CT room? |
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A: |
Yes. The x-rays or CT will not affect credit
cards and other magnetic strip cards. However, if having a MRI, credit
cards would be "cleared" and will not work, if exposed. |
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Q: |
Can I walk into the x-ray room without
being exposed? |
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A: |
If the door is closed, the radiation warning
sign will be visible and you should not enter at that time due to x-rays
being taken. If the door is open, there is no harm stepping into the
room. It is only when a technologist is taking an exposure at the
control panel, that x-rays are being generated. |
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Q: |
Why do I have to get changed for some
x-rays? |
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A: |
Buttons, zippers, metal clasps, wire and
some prints on clothing, show up in x-rays, and cover the area of
interest. Sometimes it is necessary to change into hospital gowns so
the x-rays can be completed properly. |