Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
Brought to you by
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Special Subjects /
Common Imaging Tests /
... /
Plain X-Rays /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is a plain x-ray?

Why would I need an x-ray?

What happens during an x-ray?

Before the x-ray During the x-ray

After the x-ray

What are the risks of having x-rays?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Common Imaging Tests
Angiography
Computed Tomography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Plain X-Rays
Radionuclide Scanning (Nuclear Scan)
Ultrasonography

Test your knowledge

HIp Fractures
The hip joint consists of several areas: the pelvis, then the round upper end (head) of the thighbone (femur), then the area below the head of the femur (also called the neck of the femur), and then two large bumps beneath the neck of the femur (also called trochanters). Most hip fractures occur in which of the following areas of the hip? 

More Content

Loading
Quick Facts

Plain X-Rays

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Oct 2019| Content last modified Oct 2019
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
Topic Resources

What is a plain x-ray?

A plain 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 plain x-rays to find problems in solid body parts like your bones

  • Plain 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?

Doctors use x-rays to check for problems such as:

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 plain 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: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Radionuclide Scanning (Nuclear Scan)
Others also read
Plain X-Rays Plain X-Rays
X-Ray Studies of the Digestive Tract X-Ray Studies of the Digestive Tract
Tests for Musculoskeletal Disorders Tests for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Also of Interest

Videos

View All
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Video
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan is used to detect both bone and soft tissue damage. During the procedure, 3-dimensional...
Cerebral Angiography: Catheter Insertion
Video
Cerebral Angiography: Catheter Insertion
Angiography is used to obtain diagnostic information about the blood vessels that carry blood...

SOCIAL MEDIA

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual in the remainder of the world. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

TRUSTe
TRUSTe

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP