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What You Need to Know

X-Ray

The different parts of the body have different body tissues which vary in their absorption of x-rays. When x-rays pass through the body they create an image like a "shadow" of the x-ray beam. As a result, bones, soft tissues, fat and air (and other internal features) can be seen on the x-rays images in black, white and varying shades of grey. It is used to produce images of your tissues, bones and organs.

There are small risks involved with x-rays. A standard x-ray uses such a small amount of radiation that is often similar to what you would get from natural background radiation in everyday life.

If you are or think that you may be pregnant, it is essential that you tell our radiology team before your x-ray. Depending on the location of your x-ray, the test may put your unborn baby at risk. 

F.A.Q

F.A.Q

-F.A.Q: After the X-ray

-F.A.Q: Can I bring a relative or friend?

-F.A.Q: How long will the x-ray take?

-F.A.Q: Is an x-ray safe?

-F.A.Q: What happens during my appointment?

-F.A.Q: What must I do to prepare for my x-ray?

-F.A.Q: When will I get the results?

-F.A.Q: Who will my x-ray be performed by?

-After the X-ray

You can eat and drink normally after your scan

You can drive home afterwards and return to work if you need to

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-Can I bring a relative or friend?

Yes but for safety reasons, they will only be allowed into the examination room in special circumstances

Children will not be allowed into the room with you

Children won't be allowed into the room while you're having the X-ray, so you need to make arrangements for them before your appointment

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-How long will the x-ray take?

The length of your x-ray examination will range from five to fifteen minutes including the time taken to confirm your identity, the procedure to be performed, to explain the test, ensure that you are in the correct position and to check the images once they have been taken.

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-Is an x-ray safe?

There are small risks involved with x-rays. A standard x-ray uses such a small amount of radiation that is often similar to what you would get from natural background radiation in everyday life.

If you are or think that you may be pregnant, it is essential that you tell our radiology team before your x-ray. Depending on the location of your x-ray, the test may put your unborn baby at risk.

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-What happens during my appointment?

When you arrive you will go to the reception desk - please bring your appointment letter which may have details of who to ask for

Our radiographer or another member of our team will explain the procedure to you

If you need to take any clothes off before your x-ray, you will be shown to a private changing room where we may ask you to put on a gown

We will provide you with a tray which you can use to put your clothes and any personal items into and which you can keep with you

Depending upon the part of the body being x-rayed, you may be asked to stand against an x-ray frame or to line on an x-ray bed

The radiographer will be able to see and hear you at all times and may ask you to keep a deep breath and hold it in for a few seconds.

You'll not feel any pain or discomfort apart from that potentially experienced by having to remain in the same position for a short time.

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-What must I do to prepare for my x-ray?

Most x-ray examinations do not require any preparation. You may be asked to remove articles of your clothing if they contain metal, glitter or plastic as these may interfere with the x-ray images. If this is the case, you will provided with a gown to wear during your examination.

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-When will I get the results?

A radiologist will check the images shortly after your x-ray directly to your referring doctor or medical specialist.

You will need to contact your doctor directly to get the results of your x-ray. The results will normally be available in about 24 – 48 hours and our radiographer will advise you of the exact time

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-Who will my x-ray be performed by?

Your x-ray will be carried out by one of our team of friendly radiographers

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