How Is an X-Ray Done?

What Are X-Rays?

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, which sits between gamma and ultraviolet on the spectrum. Their penetrating power is useful in diagnostic medicine.

How X-Ray Imaging Works

The patient is placed between an image receptor and an X-ray emitter. Originally the image receptor was a photographic plate, but there are a variety of technologies in use today. Denser parts of the body, such as bone, block more (but not all) X-rays. As a result of the degree to which bone partially blocks X-rays, a corresponding negative image appears on the image receptor. A regular photograph is the product of how much and of what kind of visible light makes contact with a photographic plate; X-rays work the same way, except that they can pass through the solid matter found in the body.

What Does an X-Ray Show?

X-rays at their best reveal hard, dense, solid objects such as bones or foreign objects inside the body. However, they can also reveal details about soft tissues. Tumors, lung ailments such as tuberculosis, and problems such as kidney stones can all appear on X-rays. However, X-rays reveal little or nothing about normal soft tissues, such as skin, muscle or brain matter.