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.
Positions required for the X-ray may feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held
for only 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 are blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need
to be redone.
Getting the Results
The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist, a doctor who's specially trained
in 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 a hand 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 exposure to radiation poses some risk
to the body, the amount of radiation used in a hand 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, tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.
Helping Your Child
You can help your child prepare for a hand 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 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 hand X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor.
You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.