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Hands X-ray   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

X-ray - hands

Definition:

An X-ray of the hand.

How the Test is Performed

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician. You will be asked to position the hand to be X-rayed on the table. The pictures are then taken, repositioning the hand for different views.

How to Prepare for the Test

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the Test will Feel

There is no discomfort, except possibly from positioning the hand being X-rayed.

Why the Test is Performed

Hand X-ray is used to detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the hand.  Hand X-rays may also be performed to assist in determining the "bone-age" of a child in order to determine if metabolic or nutritional disorders are interfering with proper growth.

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