MSD Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

X-Rays

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Dec 2023
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Get the full details

What is an x-ray?

An x-ray is an imaging test that takes a picture of the inside of your body. It uses a low dose of x-ray radiation. X-rays show body parts according to how dense (solid) they are.

  • Doctors usually use x-rays to find problems in solid body parts like your bones

  • X-rays aren't as good as other imaging tests for showing soft body parts like muscles, ligaments, and internal organs

  • Doctors can combine x-rays to create motion pictures that show a body part moving, such as your heart beating

Why would I need an x-ray?

What happens during an x-ray?

Before the x-ray

You usually don't need to do anything before an x-ray.

During the x-ray

  • You’ll hold very still as the x-ray machine takes each picture

  • Each x-ray will only last for a few seconds

  • You usually need several x-rays of each body part so doctors can see pictures from different angles

After the x-ray

You can go back to your usual activities.

What are the risks of having x-rays?

The main risk in getting an x-ray is being exposed to radiation. Doctors try to limit the total amount of radiation you get over your lifetime. Getting too much radiation can raise your chance of getting cancer.

  • Most x-rays expose you to a very small amount of radiation

  • If you’re pregnant or could be pregnant, doctors will shield your belly from the radiation

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz! 
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP