What is

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation. have high energy and short wavelength and are able to pass through the body. As they do this, denser tissues like bone will block more of the rays than will less dense tissues, such as the lung. A special type of photographic film is used for X-ray pictures. Because less energy passes through bone it appears whiter than the lungs where more energy passes through.
A radiographer is trained to operate X-ray equipment and take care of patients during radiological examinations.
A radiologist is a qualified doctor who is concerned with looking at and interpreting X-ray pictures. S/he also certain types of investigation and treatment that rely on imaging techniques.
A simple X-ray image can be very informative - e.g., it can show broken bones and lung shadows.

Special X-ray techniques are also used to investigate other problems with the soft tissues of the body:
* Blood vessels show up when a radio opaque dye is injected into them (arteriogram or venogram).
* The gullet (oespohagus) and stomach show up on Xrays when a similar dye is swallowed (Barium meal).
* Dye can also be introduced via an enema (Barium enema) to examine the back passage and the rest of the large bowel

During an X-ray examination the patient stands between the X-ray machine and a special screen used for capturing the image. It only takes a few seconds for each image to be obtained, the procedure is entirely painless and there are no side-effects.

Radiation can damage to a foetus which is why X-rays during pregnancy should be avoided if at all possible. Any woman who suspects that she is pregnant, should make sure that the radiographer and doctors caring for her know about this.