When is the best time to come in for a plain X-ray?
Currently between 9am and 10am.
How long will the results take to go back to the doctor who referred me for the examination?
Currently the maximum wait is 10 days after the examination.
What is radiology?
"Radiology" or "diagnostic radiology" refers to a number of medical imaging techniques that allow doctors to see inside a patient's body. Although the word "radiology" implies radiation, not all of the techniques actually use X-radiation (for example ultrasound and nuclear medicine).
What type of doctor will perform my examination?
Radiology examinations are undertaken by a radiologist, a radiographer or an assistant practitioner, who is specially trained to image and interpret the examination requested.
What is an x-ray examination?
An X-ray examination uses radiation to examine different parts of your body. X-ray images are viewed directly on a computer screen. The most common investigations using this method are x-rays of the chest, abdomen and bones.
Is radiation dangerous?
The radiation used to create medical images is called ionising radiation. There is a risk associated with the use of ionising radiation if used unnecessarily, however we ensure that the amount of radiation you receive is as low as possible so there is a minimum amount of risk to yourself. There are strict guidelines governing the use of ionising radiation, which we adhere to.
How much radiation will I receive?
Radiation exposure can be frightening to some people, however it is quite commonplace. Everyday we all receive a small amount of radiation, coming from outer space and the rocks beneath us, which are referred to as the background count. One chest x-ray, which has the lowest amount of radiation we use, is the same as receiving an extra week of natural background radiation.
If the radiation risk is so small, why does the radiographer step behind a shield?
The radiation dose for each exam is relatively small, but over time the dose can add up. Anyone who uses radiation regularly, such as radiographers, must take extra precautions. Usually this involves standing behind a lead screen or wearing a lead rubber apron.
What if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant, or think that you might be pregnant you should always inform the radiographer or the person who is conducting the examination. This enables them to decide if the investigation is appropriate and will have a benefit. If it is necessary, a number of precautions can be taken to protect the foetus such as additional lead shielding and/or a limited examination.
Will the X-ray hurt?
There are no discernible sensations during the actual exposure to x-radiation. However, some of the positions the radiographer may instruct you to assume may aggravate or intensify existing pain. The radiographer may incorporate pillows, sponges and other positioning devices to alleviate as much discomfort as possible.
How long will the X-ray take?
The actual exposure takes only a fraction of a second. Most of the time is spent preparing you for the examination and then positioning the patient for different views. Once this is completed, it will only take a few minutes to develop and process the films.
Why did I wait longer than the person sitting next to me in the waiting room?
Different examinations are carried out in different rooms, but patients waiting for similar examinations are normally seen in order of appointment or in order of arrival.
Why do I have to change my clothes if X-rays can go through them?
The metal in belts, zips and bras show up on medical images, which can obscure relevant information. In examinations such as MRI, metal objects interfere with the field of the scanner which can be dangerous to all in the vicinity. Thick elastic bands and buttons can also be misinterpreted if imaged on a film, which would possibly require further investigation and an unnecessary radiation dose. Therefore by changing into a gown most of these items can be eliminated.
Can my friend accompany me into the exam room?
Our ionising radiation regulations only allow those people who are considered essential to the investigation to be in the room.
Can I accompany my child into the room?
Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or carer, however they are required to wear a protective lead gown at all times in the X-ray room. Older children may still require the presence of a parent or carer but this is usually agreed between the parent and the radiographer undertaking the examination. Brothers, sisters or friends of the child being examined are never allowed to accompany them into the x-ray room.
Can I wear my watch during the examination?
An X-ray will not harm a watch, however we will ask you to remove it if you are having a hand or wrist x-ray so that all the bones may be seen clearly.
Does the light from the X-ray machine have to stay on when you take an X-ray?
The light from the X-ray machine is used by the radiographer to see where the X-rays are going. This light is on a timer that will simply go off after a few seconds. It does not interfere with the X-ray.
Why did I have to hold my breath?
Patients are often asked to hold their breath, depending on the part of the body being examined. This improves the quality of the image produced and areas such as the chest or abdominal organs will not be moving and appear "blurred" on the films.
Why do extra images have to be taken?
Extra images are taken for many reasons. Often the radiographer or radiologist determines that more images are necessary after viewing your initial images. Additional images are most often needed for technical reasons and are to ensure that the relevant body part or organ is looked at properly.
Can radiographers read my images for me? Did you see anything on my images?
The radiographer reviews each image for technical quality and ensures that optimal information is available. The medical report on your study is provided by a radiologist or reporting radiographer at a later time. This report is then passed onto your GP or referring clinician.
The radiology results are only one part of your diagnosis; it is best that your GP or referring clinician provides you with the full diagnosis. Sometimes the radiologist may be able to provide you with a preliminary report, but the radiographer would not be able to give results unless specifically trained to do so.
Can you tell if the muscle or ligament is damaged on a normal X-ray?
Not normally. Most diagnostic x-rays can only show the bony structures within your body. Sometimes however, swelling and fluid in the joint spaces can also show on the films, but muscle and/or ligament damage are more often diagnosed during your physical examination.
Why do I have to wait for an appointment?
Some examinations require the use of specialist equipment and personnel, so it is necessary to schedule an appointment. We always try to keep waiting times as low as possible so you don't have to wait too long for any subsequent treatment.
What is X-ray dye?
The term x-ray "dye" is used to describe something called "contrast media", which is normally injected into the blood stream to examine vascular, billiary or renal structures. Contrast media has no colour and looks similar to water. It was originally referred to as "dye" simply because it shows up on X-ray film. However it does not make you change colour or become radioactive!
How does this dye leave the body?
The "dye" injected into the blood stream is filtered out by the kidneys and mixes with your urine. When you empty your bladder you will not notice any discoloration as the "dye" is clear. The body starts to remove the contrast media from the blood almost immediately after the injection.
