X-ray
An X-ray is a quick imaging test that uses a small dose of radiation to show bones, parts of the chest, and some abdominal conditions.
When to get help quickly: X-rays may be urgent after trauma, with sudden chest symptoms, or when doctors need a quick answer before deciding whether a CT scan or other treatment is needed.
Common symptoms
X-rays are often ordered for injuries, bone pain, joint swelling, cough, chest pain, breathing symptoms, or a concern about the position of a tube or device.
When imaging helps
They help when doctors need a fast first-line look for fractures, arthritis, chest infection, fluid in the lungs, bowel gas patterns, or other common problems.
What radiology does
It is often the first imaging test for fractures, arthritis, chest infection, and many routine musculoskeletal problems.
What usually happens next
The result may be enough on its own or may guide whether a CT, MRI, ultrasound, or specialist review is needed next.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.
Related articles
- Fluoroscopy Explained Like a Live X-RayFluoroscopy is different from a standard X-ray because it shows motion. That makes it useful for swallowing, bowel studies, and image-guided procedures.
- How Much Radiation Is in an X-Ray?X-rays use ionising radiation, but the dose varies greatly by body part. Here is how teams limit exposure and weigh benefit against risk.
- What an X-Ray Is Actually Good ForX-rays are fast, affordable, and still incredibly useful. Here is what they show well and where their limits begin.
Related scan guides
- Abdomen X-rayAn abdomen X-ray is a quick imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of the belly area. It is used to look for bowel blockage, abnormal gas, swallowed objects, and some causes of sudden abdominal pain.
- Ankle X-RayAn ankle X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the bones around your ankle joint. Doctors commonly request it after twisting injuries, falls, sports injuries, swelling, or difficulty standing on the foot.
- Chest X-RayA chest X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of your lungs, heart, ribs, and chest bones. Doctors commonly request it for cough, chest pain, breathing difficulty, infections, and chest injuries.