Connect with us

Health

4 Factors To Consider When You Are Asked To Take An X-Ray Exam

Published

on

When your doctor recommends that you go ahead with an x-ray exam, it is essential to ask for time to think about your decision. Yes, x-rays have a salient benefit on your treatment. However, there are also costs associated with the procedure. The prices are on your health as well as in your pocket. Here are practical issues to consider during the time, as you contemplate on having an x-ray procedure.

Think about the interest of the practitioner

Many factors influence a practitioner’s decision to recommend an x-ray. Next time you have to undergo the procedure, think about the reasons that would have led your clinician or physician to support it. This consideration also extends to all other significant findings during your treatment. Often, the practitioner will use a similar pattern that can help you determine if they have your interest at heart.

First, if you think the practitioner is recommending something that you are unlikely to go through to the end, raise concern. The practitioner has to answer your concerns. This is important because the x-ray procedure is dramatic. It could leave you with life problems. If the practitioner still fails to explain his interests in the process, then you are better off getting another doctor.

Ask about the dosage in advance

You might have made your mind that the x-ray procedure will be the best option for diagnosing your condition. Still, you must seek clarification from the person who will perform the procedure. Ask how much of the treatment will be administered to you. This is another way of finding out if your health is in competent hands. If you are unable to get a substantial answer to your query, then you should consider forgoing the x-ray or seeking another practitioner.

Often, if the person is unable to tell you the exact dosage you are going to be exposed to, you will end up being exposed to a more than necessary dosage. The right x-ray facilities are always transparent with the amount of exposure their patients get for a particular medical complication.

Seek  clarification after the procedure

Not all is lost after the x-ray has already been done. There is room for counterchecking your doctor’s competence even after he or she has taken you through an x-ray. Sometimes, a person will feel that the given interpretations of their x-ray results are not correct. They may be accurate, but overly biased towards the use of another procedure that is equally costly. The x-ray results are your property.

You can take them with you to any other doctor, together with some of your medical records, and seek a second opinion.  There is no limit to the number of views that you can explore on the x-ray results. Always ensure that you are asking people who are certified to offer the kind of diagnostic interpretation that you are seeking. Do not fall for a lie, when a practitioner tries to fool you that the x-ray belongs to their facility.

Know what disqualifies a person from taking an x-ray

Certain people should not consider taking x-ray because they fit into specific criteria. For example, babies, growing children, and pregnant women need to be away from ionization radiation technologies used in hospital facilities. The only acceptable rule for exposing these kinds of people to x-ray is when the situation is a matter of life and death.

Another possible exception will be when the person likely loses a limb if they are not diagnosed appropriately. The reason for the particular ban against x-ray for these people has to do with their cells. All the above persons are at a stage in their lives of very high growth. For the mother, the fetus is increasing. During this state, there is a fast multiplication of cells. Now, it is scientifically verified that x-ray poses the risk of genetic recombination, causing mutations.

For the specific group of people, there is the highest risk of realizing the harmful effects of radiation, if it occurs. The rapid growth reduces the time taken for abnormal features to happen in their bodies. For an average adult, slow cell growth assists in limiting the effects of radiation when it materialized in the person.