X-Ray Test in India: Purpose, Preparation & Cost [2024]

• Cost
• Purpose
• Views
• Procedure
• Preparation
• Results

An X-ray test uses x-ray radiation to produce images of your body’s organs, tissue and bones. It uses radiation called electromagnetic waves. The test result is in black, white and grey images. The parts of the body which absorbs maximum radiation, such as bones, appear white, and the part that absorbs less radiation, such as tissues and fats, look grey. The black shades in the X-ray indicate air. X-ray test cost ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 500 in India. Your doctor may recommend an x-ray test for the diagnosis of

• Fracture
• Infertility (X-ray HSG)
• Chest congestion/ Infection (Chest Xray)
• Tumours
• Tooth (X-ray OPG)
• Digestion problem
• Nasal problem (X-ray PNS)

Purpose

The test enables the doctor to have a view inside the body and make a proper diagnosis, monitor and decide the course of treatment. 

Different types of X-ray tests depend upon the purpose to be used for. X-ray involves certain risks as it uses radiation, but generally, the benefits outweigh the risks.

What an X-Ray test can Detect

X-Ray Abdomen

• Problems in bones such as arthritis, osteoporosis
• Problem in lungs

X-Ray Chest

Chest X-ray or chest radiography is one of the most common x-rays used for the diagnosis of abnormalities in the lungs, chest and heart.

Chest X-rays are recommended in susceptible conditions such as-

• Lung congestion like in COVID or Pneumonia
• Breast tumours
• Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart)
• Check the location of swallowed items

X-Ray OPG (Orthopantomography)

• Tooth decay – to check the cavities in the teeth
• Fractures and infections in the bones and teeth

X-Ray HSG

Blockage of fallopian tubes (infertility)

Spine and Neck x-ray

• Back pain
• Cervical pain

Special Purposes

• Bone cancer: The damaged bones due to cancer cells or the abnormal growth of new bones can be detected by x rays.
• Blockage in blood vessels: Angiography is an x-ray used to examine the blockage of veins and arteries.
• Digestive problems: Digestive problems can be detected by x-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Other than ruling out the problem behind the symptoms, X-rays are useful for the doctors in following ways –

• To examine the area of discomfort
• Check the severity of the underlying disease
• Monitor the progress of undergoing treatment

Most Common X-Ray Tests

Some form of x-rays are very popular for their role in medical diagnosis. Some of them are

X Ray Chest

When X-ray is focused on chest to find the abnormalities in the blood vessels, bones, heart, airways and lungs it is called chest X-ray. It is also used to find any presence of fluids and air in and around the lungs. 

Chest X-ray or chest radiography is one of the most common X-ray used for diagnosis of abnormalities in lungs, chest and heart.

Chest X-rays are recommended in susceptible conditions such as-

• Chest pain
• Cough for longer time 
• Shortness of breath
• Fever 
• Broken ribs
• Chronic lung disease
• Pneumonia
• Changes in shape and size of the heart

Bone X- ray for fracture and joints

Bone X-ray or bone radiography captures the image of the bones. It is done to find the fracture in the bones and to diagnose bone cancer. It is also used as a guide to repair the spine, replace joints and cure fractures.

X-ray PNS

Para nasal sinus X-ray or X-ray PNS is done to view the space round nasal cavity. 

Water view X-ray PNS is used to detect any infection in the sinus. Water view X-ray PNS test uses radiation through the chin at a certain angle. It is used to detect problems in the frontal and maxillary sinus. It is also used to find out any tumor in the sinus.

Special X-rays

X-Ray HSG

It is an X-ray used to examine the uterus and fallopian tube in females. It uses fluoroscopy and a contrast material. 

HSG is used to find the shape of the uterus and any blockage in the fallopian tubes.

The test is done in females with infertility problems.

MCU

Micturating cysto-urethrogram or MCU X-rays examines the urinary bladder.

The test is used to study the change of size and shape of the bladder while the person passes urine.

RGU

Retrograde urethrogram or RGU is a special X-ray done to examine urethra.

The test is usually performed in males.

It is used to look for any abnormalities in the urine passage.

Sinogram

Sinogram X-ray is used to examine the wound.

It is performed after draining the abscess to check the cavity and any fistula.

IVP

Intravenous pyelogram X-ray injects contrast material to examine kidney, ureters and bladder. 

Iodinated contrast material is injected in the veins.

Different views in X-ray test and their significance

Different views in X-ray is obtained by changing the position and direction of the body. Most common view of X-rays are –

• Posteroanterior (PA)
• Anteroposterior (AP)
• Lateral view

Posteroanterior or X-ray PA view is the position when the patient stands facing the flat surface and X-ray enters through the back and exits from the front part of the body.

• It is useful in diagnosing any chronic and acute conditions in the chest. 

Anteroposterior or X-ray AP view is the reverse of the posteroanterior view. The X-ray enters from the front part of the body and exits from the back.

• It is used to differentiate between the free fluid in the lungs and the pleural fluid located in a specific location.
• The AP view is helpful in getting a better anatomical view for any susceptible fracture or dislocations.

In lateral view the X-rays enters from the side of the body part and exits from the other side.

• It is used for locating the problem in different lobes and segments of the lungs.
• The lateral view shows the outline of the diaphragm, clear spaces and vertebral translucency.

X-Ray Test Procedure

The procedure depends upon the type of X-ray to be performed. However, the following set of procedures is common in most of the cases.

• You will be taken to a special room for an X-Ray test.
• After preparing yourself for X-ray the radiologist will ask you to sit or stand in certain positions. The position of your body for X-ray depends upon the area of the body that need to be examined. It also helps the technician get the clear image. 
• In some types of X-rays, special X-ray plates are placed next to the patient. These plates capture the images required.
• While the X-ray procedure is carried one should not make any movement. Holding the breath for a while gives improves the visibility of the area to be viewed.
• The radiation that passes through the body is painless.
• The patient is then allowed to go home.
• It takes few hours for the result to come out. Result is in the form of imaging films with shades of grey and white.

Preparation for X-ray test

• Diagnostic x-rays do not require any particular preparations. 
• It is recommended to wear loose clothes and no jewellery.
• One can eat or drink prior to common x-rays such as x-rays for chest, hands, feet, back.

Report & Results

An X-ray report includes following characteristics –

1. Good quality of the image
2. Clinical presentation in detail
3. Diagnostic impression
4. The technique used for examination