CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

When is the appropriate time to perform a hysterosalpingography examination?

1. During the first trimester

2. 10 days after the onset of menstruation

3. After the first trimester

4. 10 days before the onset of menstruation

The correct answer is: 10 days after the onset of menstruation

A hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a specialized radiologic procedure used to examine the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The ideal timing for this examination is crucial for both the effectiveness of the test and the safety of the patient. Performing the HSG 10 days after the onset of menstruation is considered appropriate because this timing is typically within the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, which helps to ensure that the uterus is not only empty but also allows for better visualization of the reproductive structures. During this period, the endometrium is thin, reducing the risk of complications such as discomfort or false results. Additionally, conducting the HSG during this window minimizes the chance of being pregnant, which is an essential consideration since the test involves the use of contrast material and exposure to radiation that could pose risks if there were an undetected pregnancy. Timing the exam during the first trimester, after the first trimester, or 10 days before menstruation is less favorable as these options could either increase the chance of overlap with potential pregnancy or result in a thicker endometrial lining that could obscure the examination criteria and compromise the diagnostic quality.