What is an X-Ray ?
An X-Ray (plain film radiography) is a painless medical test which helps physicians diagnose medical conditions. X-Rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. It involves passing a small amount of radiation through a selected part of the body to produce an internal image of that part of the body.
Is it safe?
If you are pregnant, having an X-ray may not be an option. This depends on the type of X-ray that you need to have, as the levels of radiation exposure vary. Even though the risk to your baby is considered low, it is likely that your GP will advise you to postpone any unnecessary X-rays until after giving birth.
Preparation for the scan
Most X-Rays require no special preparation. You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothing and to wear a gown during the examination. You may also be asked to remove jewellery which might interfere with the X-Ray images.
What happens during the scan ?
You will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part of your body being imaged is between the X-Ray machine and the imaging plate (similar to a photographic film). You will have to keep still so the image is not blurred.
How long will the scan take ?
The examination will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
When do I get the results?
The radiologist (specialist imaging consultant) will write a report to your referring doctor detailing the findings from the scan. The report will be sent to your referring doctor usually within 48 hours.
