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Heel X-Ray (Radiograph) Without Contrast

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A heel X-ray creates images of the heel bones without using contrast material. It is commonly used to evaluate fractures, joint abnormalities, or heel pain after an injury.

Quick summary

["A heel X-ray uses radiation to show the bones and may help identify a fracture or other structural cause of heel pain."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
36441-4
Short code
Deprecated Heel-R CT WO contr
Synonyms
Deprecated Heel-R CT WO contr
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ct
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A heel X-ray, also called a radiograph, produces black-and-white images of the bones and surrounding tissues. This version is performed without contrast material.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test after an injury, when heel pain or swelling suggests a broken bone. It may also be used to evaluate stress-related injuries, infection-related bone changes, arthritis, or other structural abnormalities.

How is the test performed?

You will usually be asked to stand or sit while an X-ray technologist positions the machine and takes images of your heel. The process is quick and does not require an injection or oral contrast material.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is generally required. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can be removed easily, and tell the technologist if you might be pregnant because X-rays use radiation.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An abnormal X-ray may show a fracture, stress injury, arthritis, bone infection, or another structural problem. Some early or subtle injuries may not be visible on the first images, so your clinician may recommend additional testing if symptoms persist.

Short name

Heel X-ray

Frequently asked questions

Does a heel X-ray use contrast material?
No. This test is performed without contrast, so there is no need for an injection or oral contrast material.
Is a heel X-ray painful?
The X-ray itself is painless. You may briefly need to hold still or change positions so the technologist can obtain clear images.
Can a heel X-ray detect every type of heel injury?
No. It shows bone and some surrounding soft-tissue structures, but ligament, tendon, cartilage, and nerve injuries may require other imaging or clinical evaluation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy