Quick Facts
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.
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Doctors usually use plain x-rays to find problems in solid body parts like your bones
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Plain x-rays aren't as good as other imaging tests for showing soft body parts like muscles, ligaments, and internal organs
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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:
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Broken bones (most common)
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Lung problems, such as pneumonia or lung cancer
