For most X-ray exams, wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal near the area being examined. Avoid zippers, metal buttons, snaps, belts, underwire, metallic decorations, and other objects that could interfere with the image. Depending on the body part being evaluated, you may be asked to change into a medical gown and remove jewelry, glasses, or other metal items.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we make the preparation process simple for patients who need X-ray imaging in Las Vegas. The exact clothing requirements depend on which part of your body is being examined, so you do not necessarily need to change clothes for every examination.
What Is the Best Clothing to Wear for an X-Ray?
The easiest choice is loose-fitting, comfortable clothing made without metal components. Clothing that can be easily adjusted or removed also makes the imaging process more convenient.
Good choices include:
- Loose cotton shirts
- Sweatpants or athletic pants without metal
- Comfortable clothing without zippers
- Simple shirts without metallic decorations
- Clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined
For many routine bone and joint imaging exams, wearing simple clothing can help reduce the need to change into a gown.
What Clothing Should I Avoid?
Before your diagnostic X-ray, try to avoid clothing containing metal around the body part being examined.
Common items that may need to be removed include:
- Metal zippers
- Metal buttons or snaps
- Belts and belt buckles
- Underwire bras
- Metallic stitching or decorations
- Metal hair accessories
- Thick clothing that may obscure the area
Metal and other dense objects can appear on the radiographic image and interfere with the area being evaluated. Your technologist will let you know if something needs to be removed.
Do I Have to Wear a Hospital Gown?
Not necessarily. Whether you need a gown depends on the type and location of your examination and whether your clothing could interfere with the images.
For some X-ray examinations, you can remain in your own clothing if it does not contain metal or other material that could affect image quality. For other examinations, you may be asked to change into a gown so the radiographer can obtain clear images.
If you prefer to stay in your own clothes, wearing simple, metal-free clothing is generally the easiest option.
Should I Remove Jewelry Before an X-Ray?
Yes, you may need to remove jewelry near the area being examined.
Necklaces, earrings, watches, bracelets, rings, and other metal objects can potentially overlap the area being imaged. Depending on the examination, you may also be asked to remove eyeglasses, removable dental appliances, or other metal objects.
For convenience, consider leaving unnecessary jewelry at home when coming for radiographic imaging.
What Should I Wear for a Chest X-Ray?
For a chest X-ray, choose a simple shirt without metal buttons, zippers, metallic decorations, or other objects around the chest.
You may be asked to remove items such as:
- Necklaces
- Bras with metal components
- Shirts with metal fasteners
- Chest-area jewelry
- Other objects that could overlap the lungs or chest
Depending on the clothing you’re wearing and the facility’s procedure, you may be asked to change into a gown.
If you are coming to Sahara West Urgent Care for chest X-ray imaging in Las Vegas, wearing a simple, metal-free top can make preparation easier.
What Should I Wear for an Arm, Wrist, or Hand X-Ray?
For hand, wrist, or arm imaging, wear a loose shirt with sleeves that can be comfortably moved away from the area being examined.
Remove watches, bracelets, rings, or other metal accessories if they are close to the area being imaged.
A simple outfit can make extremity radiography easier because the technologist needs to position the affected body part correctly and obtain clear views.
What Should I Wear for a Leg, Knee, or Ankle X-Ray?
For lower-extremity bone imaging, loose athletic pants or shorts without metal are usually practical.
Depending on the examination, you may need to move or remove clothing around the knee, ankle, or other area being examined. Jewelry or metal objects near the imaging area may also need to be removed.
If you are visiting after a sports injury, fall, or accident, comfort is especially important because moving an injured joint unnecessarily can be painful.
Can I Wear Jeans to an X-Ray?
You may be able to wear jeans for some examinations, but jeans with metal buttons, zippers, rivets, or other hardware may need to be removed if those items are near the area being imaged.
For convenience, loose clothing without metal is usually a better choice for a diagnostic imaging appointment.
If your clothing is unsuitable, you may simply be asked to change into a gown.
Can I Eat or Drink Before an X-Ray?
Most routine bone X-rays do not require fasting or special preparation. However, preparation can vary for certain specialized examinations, so follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider or imaging facility.
If you are coming to an urgent care center for a routine fracture or injury evaluation, you generally do not need to make special dietary preparations solely because an X-ray may be performed.
Do I Need to Tell the Provider If I Might Be Pregnant?
Yes. Always tell your healthcare provider or imaging technologist if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant before an X-ray examination.
The healthcare team can determine whether imaging is appropriate and take appropriate precautions when necessary.
This is especially important when the examination involves areas near the abdomen or pelvis.
What Happens During an X-Ray?
Once you’re ready, a trained technologist positions the body part being examined and places the imaging equipment appropriately.
You may need to stand, sit, or lie down, depending on the type of radiograph being performed. Staying still during image acquisition helps prevent motion from reducing image quality. Multiple views may be taken when necessary.
Most routine radiographic examinations are quick, making them convenient for patients who need evaluation of common injuries or bone-related concerns.
What If I Forget to Wear the Right Clothing?
Don’t worry. You do not need to cancel your appointment simply because your clothing contains metal.
Your imaging technologist can tell you what needs to be removed. Depending on the examination, you may be provided with a gown or asked to change into more suitable clothing.
The important thing is that the area being examined can be clearly visualized without clothing or objects interfering with the image.
The Diagnostic Process at Sahara West Urgent Care
At Sahara West Urgent Care, your imaging experience starts with a clinical evaluation to determine whether a radiograph is appropriate for your symptoms or injury.
Depending on your condition, your provider may evaluate:
Pain and symptoms: Understanding where your discomfort is located and what caused it.
Physical findings: Checking swelling, tenderness, movement, and other signs of injury.
Possible fracture or bone injury: Determining whether diagnostic X-ray imaging may help evaluate the problem.
Imaging requirements: Explaining what clothing, jewelry, or other items need to be removed for the specific examination.
Our goal is to make X-ray services in Las Vegas straightforward, comfortable, and convenient while obtaining the clearest diagnostic images possible.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for X-Ray Services?
If you have an injury, unexplained bone pain, swelling, or another condition that may require imaging, you shouldn’t have to make the process unnecessarily complicated.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, our team can evaluate common injuries and determine whether diagnostic radiography is appropriate. When indicated, our X-ray clinic in Las Vegas provides a convenient option for patients who need imaging.
For your visit, simply choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal whenever possible, and bring only the jewelry or accessories you actually need.
If you are experiencing pain or an injury and think you may need imaging, book your visit with Sahara West Urgent Care or visit our urgent care center in Las Vegas.
A little preparation can make your imaging visit faster and more comfortable and our team can guide you through the rest.
