What is an X-ray?

Are there any risks?

Are there any special preparations?

No. However, please notify 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 examination?

You will be taken into the X-ray room where the radiographer will position you for the X-ray. 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.

How long will it take?

The process of taking the X-ray will last only a few seconds, but the radiographer may need to take further X-rays in different positions. Usually the full examination takes no longer than 5-10 minutes.

Is the X-ray painful?

No the X-ray is not painful.

Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

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

What happens to my results?

A Consultant Radiologist, who specialises in interpreting X-rays will assess your images and write a report on the findings.  The report will be returned to the medical professional that referred you for X-ray.

What are the risks?

X-rays are a type of radiation known as ionising radiation. The dose that you get from a medical X-ray is very low and the associated risks are minimal. They are similar in strength to other sources of natural radiation that we exposed to in our everyday life, a dose from an X-ray is equivalent to just a few day natural back ground radiation. The radiographer is responsible for keeping the dose as low as possible to ensure that the benefits outweigh any risks.

For more information about the risks of having an X-ray please look a following sites:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/x-ray/

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/tests/x-rays

Giving my consent (permission)

The radiographer will ask you if you are happy for the X-ray to go ahead. If you do not wish to have the X-ray please ask the radiographer so that they can answer any questions you may have.

Remember, it is your decision. You can change your mind at any time and your wishes will be respected. This may however delay your diagnosis as the doctor may not have all the required information.