Your 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. They are recorded digitally and transferred onto photographic film. Structures that are dense, such as bone, will block most of the x-ray particles and will appear white. Structures containing air will be black, and muscle, fat and fluid will appear as shades of grey.

The following information will tell you a little about what to expect from your X-ray.

Safety

There are risks involved with X-rays, but a plain X-ray uses a very small amount of radiation, equivalent to that which we all receive from the atmosphere over a period of 2 or 3 days. There are no side effects.

If you are pregnant, or think you may be, you must inform your radiographer. X-rays may be harmful to unborn babies. Certain types of X-ray will not be performed if there is a risk or known pregnancy.

Preparation

There are basic changing facilities but it would be helpful if you could wear something comfortable without metal clips or zips. This will save you having to get changed for the procedure.
Please inform us in advance if you have any special requirements such as wheelchair access or if you are hard of hearing.

When you arrive

• CMC should have your request form, however, if you have been given your request form to bring with you, please ensure you have it with you. It is against Ionising Radiation (Medical Imaging) Regulations to image anyone without a referral from a recognised referrer.
• The Radiographer who undertakes the examination will need to confirm your identity and may need to ask some supplementary questions.
• You may need to undress for certain examinations, but a gown and private changing area will be provided.
• The scan is quite painless. You will not feel anything during the scan and the best thing to do is to relax.
• You can eat and drink normally beforehand and should continue taking any medications as normal, unless you have been given instructions to the contrary.

About the Procedure

• Once you are ready for your x-ray, the radiographer will position you and make you as comfortable as possible. The examination may be performed with you standing, laying or sitting on the table depending on the area of the body to be x-rayed. The radiographer will need to move or position you in order to obtain optimum images.
• Once you have been positioned the radiographer will go behind a screen, you will be seen and heard at all times.
• The x-ray picture will be very quick, you may be asked to hold your breath, depending on which area is being x-rayed.
• You may be asked to wait while the images are viewed as sometimes more images are required. The procedure normally takes no more than 5 or 10 minutes.
• After the examination is complete, you will be asked to dress and return to the waiting room.

After the x-ray

Once the examination has finished you return to the waiting room. The radiographer will not be able to discuss the images with you. The images we have obtained will be processed and interpreted by a radiologist. If you would like to take your films away with you, the processing will take around 30 minutes. A report will be sent to the clinician who sent you for the x-ray. These should usually be with them within four working days. You will realise that there may be delays which are out of our control.

At your review appointment you may ask to keep the x-ray's for future follow up.

Sources of information:

Websites:

Royal College of Radiologists: www.goingfora.com
College of Radiographers: www.sor.org   
NHS Direct: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk   

For information about the effects of x-rays, read the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) publication ‘x-rays how safe are they?’ on the website: http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile.HPAweb C/1194947388410


The above information has been taken from the Royal College of Radiologists - Going for an X-ray.