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X-ray

Published by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, June 2007.

This factsheet is for people who are considering having a plain X-ray. Your care may differ from what is described here because it is adapted to meet your individual needs.

• What is an X-ray test?
• Why have X-ray tests?
• What are the alternatives?
• Preparing for your X-ray test
• What to expect at the hospital
• About the procedure
• What to expect afterwards
• What are the risks?
• If you are pregnant
• Further information
• Sources
• Related topics

What is an X-ray test?

An X-ray (radiograph) test is a quick and painless method used to diagnose many health conditions.

The procedure involves exposing part of your body to a small dose of ionising radiation (X-rays). The X-rays travel through your body where they are absorbed at different levels by different tissues such as bones, muscles and organs. When the X-rays come out on the other side of your body they hit a photographic film and make a pattern of light and shade.

The images produced are black, white and grey. They are either stored on film or kept in a digital format and shown on a computer screen.

Why have X-ray tests?

X-rays can be used to look at bones, joints and soft tissues. They can be used to check:

• bones for fractures or infection
• joints for damage or inflammation
• soft tissues and organs for signs of disease

What are the alternatives?

Alternative imaging procedures include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerised tomography (CT). Your doctor will discuss with you which procedure is most suitable for you.

Preparing for your X-ray test

You don't usually need to make any preparations before your examination.

What to expect at the hospital

The examination is routinely done as an out-patient procedure in the imaging or radiology department.

Your radiographer will explain the procedure and ensure that you are happy to proceed with the X-ray test.

About the procedure

The test usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. In a private cubicle, you will usually be asked to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown.

You will be taken to the X-ray room where you will be positioned against a frame or part of the X-ray machine. Alternatively, you may be asked to lie down on an X-ray table or sit in a chair on the side of the table.

Your radiographer will operate the X-ray machine from behind a screen, but will be able to see and hear you at all times.

You will be asked to stay still and sometimes to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.

The machine might make a slight whirring noise. The process of taking the film will last only a minute or two. Your radiographer may need to take further X-rays at different exposures or in different positions.

What to expect afterwards

When you feel ready, you will be able to go home. You can drive if you wish.

Results

A report will be sent to the doctor who requested your test. This can take several days to reach your doctor. Before you go home, please ask you radiographer when you can expect to get your results.

What are the risks?

X-rays are commonly performed and generally safe. For standard diagnostic X-rays there are no known harmful side-effects or complications.

You will be exposed to some X-ray radiation. Level of exposure is about the same as you would receive naturally from the environment over three days to seven months depending on the part of the body being examined.

If you are pregnant

Although the radiation dose being used is generally thought to be safe for adults, it may harm a developing fetus. Therefore, X-rays are not usually done on pregnant women unless there is an urgent medical reason.

If you could be pregnant, please tell your doctor before your appointment day. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of having an X-ray and will also discuss alternatives to the procedure.

Further information

• The Royal College of Radiologists
  020 7636 4432
  www.rcr.ac.uk

Sources

• Information for adult patients having a chest X-ray. The Royal College of Radiologists.
  www.rcr.ac.uk
  May 2001
• X-rays: how safe are they? National Radiological Protection Board.
  www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/
  May 2001

Related topics

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Ultrasound

This information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: June 2007. Expected review date: June 2009.

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