Description
Test Preparation
Usually, no special preparation is needed. However, keep these points in mind:
• Clothing: You may need to change into a hospital gown to avoid clothing interference.
• Remove metal objects: Take off jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins, and other metallic accessories around the neck or head area.
• Pregnancy: Inform the technician if you are or might be pregnant.
• Medical concerns: Let the technician know if you have difficulty moving your neck or have had previous neck injuries or surgeries.
During the Test
• You will be asked to stand or sit sideways to the X-ray machine.
• Your head and neck will be held in a neutral, relaxed position.
• The technician will take a side (lateral) image of your neck.
• You must remain still during the procedure to avoid blurry images.
• The test is quick and painless, typically completed in 5–10 minutes.
After the Test
• You can resume your normal activities immediately.
• The images will be reviewed by a radiologist and your doctor will go over the results with you.
