X-ray

What is an x-ray?

An x-ray is a picture of the internal structures of the body produced by exposure to a controlled source of x-rays and kept in digital form and shown on a computer screen.

Are there any risks?

There are risks involved with x-rays, but a plain x-ray uses a small amount of radiation, equivalent to that which we all receive from the atmosphere over a period of 2 or 3 days.

Female patients who are or might be pregnant must inform the radiographer, who will cover the lower abdomen with a lead apron, as the foetus is more sensitive to radiation.

Preparation

Please tell the radiology department if you have had a similar X-ray recently or if you are a woman who is or might be pregnant.

What happens during the x-ray?

You will be taken into the x-ray room where you will stand against a frame or asked to sit or lie down on a table. Although the radiographer will go behind a screen, you will be seen and heard at all times.

You will be asked to stay still and sometimes to take a deep breath in and hold it for a few seconds.

Who will perform the x-ray?

You will be cared for by a Radiographer and your images will be examined and reported on by a Consultant Radiologist.

Results

The images will be examined after your visit and a written report on the findings sent to your GP.