What to Expect
Your child won't feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool, due to the air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.
The positions required for the X-rays may feel uncomfortable, but they only need to be held for a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can't stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that's easier on your child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they're restrained, but this won't interfere with the procedure.
After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they're blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need to be redone.
Getting the Results
A radiologist, a doctor specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images, will look at your child's X-rays and send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.
In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can't be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.
Risks
In general, X-rays are safe. Although there's some risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount of radiation used in a finger X-ray isn't considered dangerous. It's important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.
Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.
Helping Your Child
You can help your young child prepare for a finger X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture. You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you'll be right there for support.
For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray is taken so it won't have to be repeated.
If You Have Questions
If you have questions about the X-ray, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the technician before the procedure.
Reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: May 2014