X-rays are electro-magnetic radiation, which are produced by special machines called X-ray machines. These cannot be seen, felt or heard. Different parts of the body behave differently with X-rays. Structures such as bone absorb X-rays, whereas air in the lungs lets all X-rays pass through.
Most people are familiar with common x-ray procedures for chest radiography. Approximately half of all radiographs obtained in medical institutions are images of the chest. A chest x-ray is usually done for the evaluation of lungs, heart and surrounding anatomy. Pneumonia, heart failure, and lung cancer can be diagnosed or suspected on a chest x-ray, along with other less common conditions. X-rays are also used to diagnose disorders in other parts of the body - especially bones, and also by using special contrast material (dyes), barium etc. There is no risk involved while performing a radiograph, x-rays are however not performed in early and mid pregnancy due to possible harmful effects of radiation on foetus.
X - RAY - PROCEDURE - IVP
IVP stands for intra venous pyelography. This test is performed to detect the function of the urinary tract, and detect abnormalities of the kidneys, ureter and bladder (KUB).
An IVP study uses a contrast agent to enhance the x-ray images. The contrast agent is injected into the patient's system, and its progress through the urinary tract is then recorded on a series of quickly captured images. The exam enables the radiologist to review the anatomy and the function of the kidneys and urinary tract.
A radiologist can use an IVP study to find the cause of a wide variety of disorders, including frequent urination, blood in the urine, or pain in the side or lower back. The IVP exam can enable the radiologist to detect problems within your urinary tract resulting from kidney stones; enlarged prostate; internal injuries after an accident or trauma; tumors in the kidney, ureters, or urinary bladder; and other changes.
X - RAY - PROCEDURE - BARIUM
A barium test is a procedure performed by giving the patient a liquid preparation to drink, and then taking x-ray pictures at appropriate intervals. These tests are done to find out abnormalities of the gastro-intestinal tract - the food pipe (barium swallow), the stomach and duodenum (Ba-Stomach-duodenum), and appendix and small intestines (Barium meal follow through / small bowel enema). Studies for the large bowel (large intestine) are performed by passing a similar type of liquid barium preparation through the anal canal and then x-ray pictures of the large intestine are taken.
Very small, controlled amounts of x-ray radiation are passed through the body. Different tissues -- such as bone, blood vessels, muscles, and other soft tissues -- absorb x-ray radiation at different rates. When a special film plate is exposed to the absorbed x-rays, an image of the inside of the body is captured.
The tissues of the lower GI tract are similar in density, so a contrast agent is used to help produce clearer images. Barium, a dense metallic chemical, is introduced into the colon through a rectal tube. The barium coats the inside of the rectum, colon, and a part of the lower small intestine, and produces a sharp, well-defined image.
X - RAY - PROCEDURE- ERCP
ERCP or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography is a advanced endoscopic technique in which the major papilla of vater or the minor papilla is cannulated under direct endoscpoic vision, and then filling the pancreatic and common bile ducts with contrast medium during fluoroscopic monitoring. Radiographs of the ducts are obtained in multiple projection.
It is a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic procedure. It is useful in diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic malignancy, congenital abnormalities of pancreas and in pancreatic trauma. Few therapeutic indications like: CBD stone removal, passing a stent through a stricture and performing biopsy procedure.