X-ray imaging

X-ray imaging is a long-established diagnostic tool used to produce images of tissues, bones and organs. It’s been in widespread use for many years.

If you’ve never had an X-ray you might not know what to expect. This brief guide is designed to answer the questions that might be in your mind.

Before you arrive

• Tell us about anything that might cause you difficulties – for example, if you’re a wheelchair user, you're hard of hearing or have poor eyesight
• Please confirm your appointment by phone 24 hours before your scan and arrive in plenty of time.
• You’re welcome to bring a friend or a relative with you, but for safety reasons we won’t normally allow them into the examination room.

Preparation

• Once you’ve checked in at reception (don’t forget to bring your appointment letter), a member of the radiography team will meet you, explain the procedure, go through your safety questionnaire with you and ask you to sign a consent form.
• We might ask you to change into a hospital gown. We’ll give you a container to keep your clothes and personal belongings safe.
• You’ll be looked after by the radiography team throughout the procedure – they will explain what’s happening and will be there if you experience any discomfort.
• You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions.

During the procedure

• The examination should take no more than a few minutes.
• The Radiographer operating the equipment will be able to see and hear you throughout the procedure.
• We'll ask you to stay very still and we might ask you to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.
• For safety reasons, we don’t normally allow anyone accompanying you to come into the examination room whilst you are having your x ray.
• You won’t feel anything and there is no discomfort.

After the scan

There are no restrictions on normal activity – you can eat and drink normally, drive and return to work immediately after the x ray.

A Radiologist will examine the images shortly after your visit and send a report to your Doctor or Consultant, normally within a few days. For ethical and professional reasons, we cannot discuss results with you. Only your Doctor or Consultant can do this.