The X-Ray Scan

What is an X-ray?

• An X-ray is a test that's used to produce images of your tissues, bones and organs

Who will I see?

• A small team of radiography staff will look after you during your visit and one of the radiographers will carry out the X-ray

Is it safe?

• There are small risks involved with X-rays, but a standard X-ray uses such a small amount of radiation that the risk is very small
• If you're - or you think you may be - pregnant, you should tell the radiology department before your x-ray
• And please let the radiology department know if you've had a similar X-ray within the last six months

Do I need an injection?

• No, you'll not need an injection

Before the scan

• You should let us know about any special needs you might have - for example, if you need wheelchair access, you're hard of hearing, or you have poor eyesight

What happens during my appointment?

• When you arrive you should go to the reception desk - please bring your appointment letter which may have details of who to ask for
• Our radiographer or another member of staff will explain the procedure to you
• If you need to take any clothes off before your x-ray, we'll show you to a private changing room. We may ask you to put on a gown
• We'll put your clothes and any personal items, such as jewellery, in a locker or a tray that you can keep with you
• We may ask you to stand against an X-ray frame or to lie on an X-ray bed; this will depend on the part of your body that's being X-rayed
• The radiographer will be able to see and hear you at all times
• We'll ask you to stay very still and we may ask you to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds

Will it be uncomfortable?

• You'll not feel any pain and, apart from having to stay still for a short while, you'll not experience any discomfort

How long will it take?

• The X-ray will only last a few minutes, though the radiographer may need to take more X-rays in different positions
• Your appointment should take no longer than an hour

After the X-ray

• You can eat and drink normally after your scan
• You can drive home afterwards and return to work if you need to

Are there any side effects?

• There are no known side effects from having an X-ray

When will I get the results?

• A radiologist will check the images shortly after your X-ray and will send a report to your doctor or consultant, normally two to four days after your appointment
• You'll need to make an appointment with your doctor or consultant to get your results

Can I bring a relative or friend?

• Yes, but they'll only be allowed to into the examination room in special circumstances - this is for safety reasons
• Children won't be allowed into the room while you're having the X-ray, so you need to make arrangements for them before your appointment

Videos from AMTV

Learn more

• Are you having a "barium swallow"? - if so, find out more here
• Are you having a "barium follow-through"? - if so, find out more here
• AMTV: Patient Channel - browse our patient video gallery here
• Scan Dictionary - an A-Z of common terms
• Find your location - find your location here
• Arrange a scan - if you'd like to arrange a scan for yourself, find out more here
• Infection control - learn what we're doing to keep you safe here
• Got a question, query or concern? Just contact us, we'd be delighted to help