Department of Radiology

WVU Hospital Radiology

X-ray Chest Bone or Joint IVP Patient Instructions

Patient Instructions:

To schedule a X-ray please contact (304) 598-4250. Please contact the X-ray personnel at (304) 598-4250 if you need specific instructions for a scheduled scan.

X-ray of the Chest

The chest x-ray is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination. A chest x-ray makes images of the heart, lungs, airway, blood vessels and the bones of the spine and chest.

An x-ray (radiograph) is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. What are some common uses of the procedure?

The chest x-ray is performed to evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall.

A chest x-ray is typically the first imaging test used to help diagnose symptoms such as:

• shortness of breath
• a bad or persistent cough
• chest pain or injury
• fever.

Physicians use the examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:

• pneumonia
• heart failure and other heart problems
• emphysema
• lung cancer
• other medical conditions.

This information has been provided for your convenience from the Radiological Society of North America Patient Information website.
For more information please visit: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/sitemap/

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X-ray of the Bone or Joint

An x-ray (radiograph) is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

A bone x-ray makes images of any bone in the body, including the hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, knee, leg or spine.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

A bone x-ray is used to:

• determine whether a bone has been fractured or if a joint is dislocated.
• ensure that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing following treatment.
• determine whether there is a build up of fluid in the joint or around a bone.
• guide orthopedic surgery, such as spinal repair, joint replacement and fracture reductions.
• evaluate injury or damage from conditions such as infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.
• assist in the detection and diagnosis of cancer.
• locate foreign objects.
• evaluate changes in bones.

This information has been provided for your convenience from the Radiological Society of North America Patient Information website.
For more Information please visit: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/sitemap/

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Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder that uses contrast material.

An x-ray (radiograph) is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

When a contrast material is injected into the patient's arm, it travels through the blood stream and collects in the kidneys and urinary tract, turning these areas bright white. An IVP allows the radiologist to view and assess the anatomy and function of the kidneys and lower urinary tract.

What are some common uses of IVP studies?

An intravenous pyelogram examination helps the physician assess abnormalities in the urinary system, as well as how quickly and efficiently the patient's system is able to handle waste.

The exam is used to help diagnose symptoms such as blood in the urine or pain in the side or lower back.

The IVP exam can enable the radiologist to detect problems within the urinary tract resulting from:

• kidney stones
• enlarged prostate
• tumors in the kidney, ureters or urinary bladder.

This information has been provided for your convenience from the Radiological Society of North America Patient Information website.
For more information please visit: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/sitemap/

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