Our X-Ray unit is fully equipped to support the needs of patients from across Dubai and the UAE. An X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create an image of structures within the body, including organs, blood vessels and bones. During an X-ray, a focused beam of radiation is passed through your body, and a black-and-white image is recorded on special film or a computer.

The X-ray image that is created looks like a negative from a black and white photograph. X-rays work because the body’s tissues vary in density (thickness). Allowing different amounts of radiation to pass through and expose the X-ray-sensitive film, which results in a shadow image of the organ. Bones, for example, are very dense, and most of the radiation is prevented from passing through to the film. As a result, bones appear white on an X-ray. Tissues that are less dense such as the lungs, which are filled with air––allow more X-rays to pass through and appear on the image in shades of grey.

X-rays generally are not used on pregnant women because of the possible risk of radiation exposure to the developing baby. Also, please tell the technologist if you have an insulin pump.

In most cases, chest X-rays are taken from two positions: from back to front (called a posterior-anterior, or PA, view) and from the side (called a lateral view). Plan about 20 to 30 minutes for the test. This includes time for preparation, positioning, processing the films and repeating any images, if necessary.