X-ray

---

X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film or digital media. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-ray technology is used in many types of diagnostic procedures, such as arteriograms, computed tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopy.

During an X-ray, different parts of the body allow varying amounts of X-ray beams to pass through:

• Soft tissues in the body (such as blood, skin, fat and muscle) allow most of the X-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film or digital media.
• A bone or a tumor, which is denser than soft tissue, allows only a few of the X-rays to pass through and appears white on the X-ray. At a break in a bone, the X-ray beam passes through the broken area and appears as a dark line in the white bone.

DEXA (a separate x-ray unit for ages 21 and up)
Osteoporosis means, literally, "porous bones," and is a debilitating disease that can lead to bone fracture. More than 52 million Americans have low bone density and are at risk for osteoporosis – 80% are women. A DEXA scan (which stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is an advanced test available for measuring bone density. If a loss of bone mass is discovered, especially early, patients can receive treatment to prevent breakage and further loss. Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is proud to offer this exam, and echoes the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s recommendation that women over 65 years of age should get a DEXA scan every two years to diagnose bone density loss and prevent osteoporosis.

Bone Densitometry (or DEXA) uses special x-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a bone segment. The higher your mineral content, the denser your bones; and the denser your bones, the stronger they are and the less likely they are to break. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million individuals already have osteoporosis and 18 million more are unaware that they have low bone mass and are at risk. This simple 10-minute procedure compares your bone density to that of the average bone density of a 30-year-old healthy woman (known as the T-Score), and also to an average person of your same age and sex (the Z-Score). If you are over the age of 50 with a family history of osteoporosis or symptoms such as unusual fractures, you should consult with a physician to determine if you need a DEXA scan. You simply lie fully clothed on a table while the DEXA scan machine passes over you, sending a beam of low-dose x-rays through your body. The total amount of radiation is just one-tenth the level emitted in a typical chest x-ray.

Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy uses x-rays to provide real-time images of the area being examined. It is often used to examine various body systems, including skeletal, digestive, urinary or reproductive, as well as organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys. Fluoroscopy is commonly used to examine the intestines and large bowel, and is most often performed using a contrast solution to make tissues and other structures more visible.

Commonly used fluoroscopic procedures include:

Barium Enema (BE)
Lower gastrointestinal tract radiology imaging is an x-ray examination of the large intestine also known as the colon. Fluoroscopy makes it possible to see the intestines in motion as the barium is being introduced. When the colon is filled with barium, the radiologist is able to view and assess the anatomy and function of the colon, including the presence of strictures or in some cases, polyps.

Prior to the exam, the patient is instructed to follow bowel prep procedures so the colon is cleansed prior to the exam. Upon arrival to the radiology area, the patient will need to dress in a gown provided by the technologist. The technologist or radiologist will insert a small tube into the rectum and begin to fill the colon with barium as the radiologist watches on a video screen. This procedure usually takes approximately 20 minutes but may vary from patient to patient. It is important to drink plenty of water for several days after this exam to fully excrete the barium.

Upper Gastrointestinal Series
Upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) is an x-ray examination of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Fluoroscopy allows the radiologist to view and assess the anatomy and function of the upper gastrointestinal tract during the swallowing of barium. As the patient drinks the barium, the radiologist watches as the barium passes through the digestive tract and records images of the passage process. It is important to drink plenty of water for several days after this exam to fully excrete the barium.

Small Intestines
Small bowel study is an x-ray of the small intestines, which is the intestine located between the stomach and the colon. The patient drinks the barium similar to the UGI exam, but is only imaged periodically as the barium moves through the gastrointestinal tract. This process can vary in time for the completion of the exam based on the speed of the barium as it moves through the body.

Hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an examination of a woman's uterus and fallopian tubes. It is a special fluoroscopy technique performed by the radiologist using contrast to image the anatomy and function of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It is very important to ensure the patient is not pregnant at the time of this procedure.

To schedule an appointment, please call Mat-Su Regional Medical Center at (907) 861-6677.