Having an X-ray

NHS Borders

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"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."

The Radiology Department

The Radiology Department is sometimes called the x-ray or Imaging Department. It is where radiological
examination of patients is carried out.

This is done using:

a range of x-ray equipment
computed tomography (CT scan)
ultrasound,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Nuclear medicine
DEXA

Radiologists are Consultants specially trained to interpret the images, inform the doctor caring for you about these results and carry out complex procedures such as biopsies.

Radiographers are highly trained health professionals who carry out many of the x-ray and other imaging
procedures. They can also interpret some of the imaging procedures.

What is an x-ray?

This is a picture of the internal structures of the body. It is produced by exposure to a controlled source of x-rays recorded digitally and displayed on a computer screen. For example, on a chest x-ray, normal lungs being full of air, show up on the film as being black. Bones show up as being white.

Despite all the newer, more sophisticated forms of scanning, a plain x-ray is still one of the most sensitive ways of finding many problems.

Do you need to make any special preparations?

No.

Can you bring a relative or friend?

Yes, but for reasons of safety, they will not be allowed to come into the x-ray room with you. This will only be allowed in special circumstances, or in the case of young children. If you come into the X-ray room you will be asked if you understand that you will receive a small dose of radiation by staying in the room and whether you agree to this risk.

When you arrive

Please report to the reception desk in the Radiology Department. Once you have checked in, you will be shown to a waiting area where the radiographer will collect you.

There are toilets In the Department, which are clearly signposted, should you need to use them.

When you go for your x-ray

The Radiographer will explain what will happen when you have your x-ray.

You may need to remove clothes around the area being examined. If you do, you will be shown to a private cubicle. You will be able to lock your clothes and any personal items in the cubicle.

Who will you see?

You will usually be cared for by a Radiographer or an Assistant Practitioner, under the supervision of a
radiographer. Your X-ray will be examined and interpreted later by the radiologist, or by a reporting radiographer.

What happens during the x-ray?

You will be taken into the x-ray room. You will stand against, sit beside or lie down on an x-ray table or frame.

The Radiographer will go behind a screen. He or she will be able to see and hear you at all times should you have a problem.

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

You might hear a slight whirring noise as the machine becomes fully running. However, you will be unaware of the fraction of a second when the x-ray source is active.

Will it be uncomfortable?

No. You will feel no pain and apart from having to stay still for a short while, you will feel no discomfort.
How long will it take?

Taking the x-ray will last only a few minutes. The Radiographer may need to take further x-rays. This usually takes no more than 5 to 10 minutes.

Unless you have had to wait, such as to allow for emergency patients or at particularly busy times, you should be in the department for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Are there any risks or side-effects?

Are there any risks?

There are risks involved with x-rays, but a plain x-ray uses only a small amount of radiation. The amount is the same as we all receive from the atmosphere over a period of 2 or 3 days. There are posters in the waiting areas that explain this. The risk, therefore, is very small indeed. If you have any concerns about this, please speak to the radiographer before the examination.

Female patients who are, or might be pregnant, must tell the radiographer. Some x-ray procedures are not performed during pregnancy unless in an emergency.

You should not worry about the radiation from the x-ray. As your doctor feels he needs to investigate a possible problem, the risk from not having it could be greater.

Are there any side effects?

None at all. You can return to your normal activities straight away.

When will you get the results?

The x-ray will be interpreted soon after your visit. A report on this interpretation will be sent to the doctor who referred you. This should be available as soon as possible after your examination. This report takes longer for some examinations than for others. The radiographer will tell you how long it is likely to be till your report is available.

We will give you a leaflet explaining how you get your results before you leave the department.