Who should not have Plain X-rays of the Face, Sinuses or Skull?
Face, sinus or skull x-rays, and indeed all x-ray examinations, should not be performed on pregnant women except when the information provided by the test is vital to treatment of the patient and there are no suitable alternatives. • How do I prepare for the test? No preparation is required. • Who performs the examination? An x-ray technologist (someone trained to take x-ray images) performs the examination. • What happens during the examination? After registering with the receptionist, you will be taken to an x-ray room where several x-ray pictures will be taken. It is important that no metal (jewelry, zippers, etc.) be in the area being x-rayed. You may be asked to hold your breath during some of the pictures. If you are having x-rays of your sinuses, 4 pictures will be taken. It is customary to take 2 pictures of your skull. 4 – 6 pictures of the face are usually required. You will have to wait while the pictures are checked. A repeat picture is occasionally required. • What are the
