What to Expect
Your child won't feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool
due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.
The position required for the X-ray may feel uncomfortable, but it needs to be
held for only a few seconds. If your child is in pain 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-ray is taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes
while the image is processed. If it is blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need to be
redone.
Getting the Results
The X-ray will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who's specially trained
in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your
doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
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 very safe. Although there's some minor risk to the body
with any exposure to radiation, the amount of radiation used in an abdominal X-ray
is small and not 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 an abdominal 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 you can reassure
your child that you'll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain
the importance of staying still while the X-ray is taken so it won't have to be repeated.
If You Have Questions
If you have questions about why the abdominal X-ray is needed, speak with your
doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.