X-Ray

The radiographer (trained X-ray technologist) who will carry out the X-ray will explain the procedure to you. Depending on the part of your body being examined, your position (e.g. standing, sitting or lying), the number of X-rays taken and the speed of the test will vary.

It is important that you stay completely still when the radiographer instructs you to, as any movement might create a blurred image.

After the X-rays are completed, the radiographer will electronically process each X-ray and check the results for quality. While this is being done, which does not take very long, you will be asked to wait in the X-ray room or change room in your hospital gown. Sometimes there will be a need for additional images to be taken to obtain more information to help the radiologist (specialist doctor) to make a diagnosis. There is no need for concern if this happens, as it is quite common. In most cases, the extra X-rays are carried out to obtain a better view of the part of your body being examined, not because there is a problem.

The radiographer will instruct you when the procedure is finished. You may wish to ask them when the results will be available.

The radiologist then carefully assesses the images, makes a diagnosis and produces a written report on the findings. This report is sent to your doctor, specialist or allied health professional who referred you for the test.

You are welcome to ask questions about the process at any stage if you have any concerns.

The entire process is straightforward, and you will not feel anything strange or feel any different during the examination.

If you are bringing a child for an X-ray, you might be asked to help in settling or keeping the child in the correct position for the test. If you are asked to remain in the X-ray room, the radiographer will take all possible steps to ensure that you are not exposed to any X-rays.

It usually takes less than 15 minutes for an entire X-ray procedure. This depends on the number of parts of your body being examined and your mobility; that is, your ability to move about, and your general health. In most cases, the area being examined needs to be viewed from different directions to obtain enough information to make the diagnosis, and this might require you to move into different positions.

For example, a simple chest X-ray on an able and willing patient could take less than 1 minute. A distressed patient needing X-rays of the whole spine, pelvis, both shoulders and both legs could take 45 minutes.

People with disabilities and children will also take longer, particularly if they find it difficult to keep still or to cooperate with or understand instructions given by the radiographer carrying out the X-ray examination.

X-ray imaging is useful to diagnose disease and injury, such as pneumonia, heart failure, fractures, bone infections, arthritis, cancer, blockage of the bowel, collapsed lung and so on. It is fast and easy, so it is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment.

X-ray equipment is widely available in hospitals, X-ray clinics and other locations, making it convenient for both patients and doctors, even in remote locations.

Plain radiography/X-rays are carried out in the diagnostic imaging (radiology) department of most hospitals (although this depends on the size of hospital, as some small hospitals do not have X-ray facilities). They can also be carried out at special X-ray clinics, private radiology practices and other locations.

X-rays are safe when carried out in a controlled environment, such as an X-ray department. X-ray equipment is checked regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and not delivering excess radiation to patients or staff. People operating X-ray equipment are required by law to be licensed to do so, to ensure they are properly qualified to operate the radiation equipment.

If you require any more information or have queries about your X-ray procedure, then please contact your local doctor or the X-ray facility where you have been referred for the X-ray examination.