Q1. What is an X-ray?

A1. This is a picture of the internal structures of parts of the body, produced by exposure to a controlled source of x-rays and usually recorded on a special type of photographic film.  Sometimes, x-rays are not recorded on film but stored in digital form and viewed on a computer screen.  An ordinary x-ray is still one of the most sensitive ways of detecting many problems, for example, arthritis, despite all of the new more sophisticated forms of scan.

Q2.  What preparation will I need?

A2.  Usually none.  Any woman who is, or might be pregnant, should notify the Radiology Department in advance.  Also please tell the Radiology Department if you have recently had a similar x-ray.

Q3.  I am a diabetic.  Does this change anything?

 A3.  No.

Q4.  What does the examination involve?

• Depending on which part of the body is being examined, you may be asked to undress and put on a gown.  You should remove any valuable and jewellery and keep them safe with your clothes or alternatively, give them to a friend to look after. 
• If female, you may be asked for the date of your last menstrual period.  Please say if you are or might be pregnant..        A Radiographer will take you into the x-ray room where you will be asked to lie down on the x-ray table.  Although the Radiographer will go behind the screen, you will be seen and heard at all times should you have a problem.  You will be asked to stay still and hold your breath for a few seconds.  You may hear a slight whirring noise from the machine but you will be unaware of the fraction of a second when the x-ray is taken.  You will feel no pain due to the x-ray.  Usually the x-ray film will need to be processed and this takes a few minutes.  The Radiographer may take other x-rays in the same or different position to complete the examination.  Once the Radiographer is happy that the x-rays are satisfactory and the examination is complete, you will be able to get changed and go home.

Q5.  Are there any risks?

A5.  There are risks involved with x-rays but the exposure is kept to the minimum required to obtain an image of the area under investigation.  Typically, this amounts to a level of radiation equivalent to that which we all receive from the atmosphere over a period of four months.  You should not worry about this radiation from the x-ray and as your doctor feels he needs to investigate a potential problem, the risk from not having the examination could be greater.

Q6.  Are there any side effects?

A6.  None at all.

Q7.  How long will it take?

A7.  The examination usually takes between 15-20 minutes.

Q8.  What happens about the results?

A8.  Your x-rays will be examined and reported on later by the doctor (Radiologist).  A report will be sent to the doctor who asked for this examination to be performed.  You should make an appointment to discuss the results in clinic.

Q9.  Can I drive home?  

Yes.

Q10.  I need an ambulance, do you arrange one?

A10.  If you need an ambulance you must ask your General Practitioner’s surgery to arrange one, but you will need to give them three working days notice.  Please inform the department if you are arriving by ambulance.

Q11.  What if I have any comments, suggestions or questions?

A11.  Should you have any suggestions or concerns, please make these known to the person conducting your examination, or by letter addressed to the hospital you are attending your appointment: 

The Departmental Manager                        

Main Xray Department                                

Freeman Hospital, High Heaton               

Newcastle upon Tyne                                  

NE7 7DN                                                       

Tel (0191) 223 1012                         

The Departmental Manager

Leazes Wing Xray Department

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Richardson Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

Tel: (0191) 282 5624

Monday – Friday: 9.00 – 5.00.

All Newcastle Hospitals: Switchboard Tel: 233 6161

Patient Advisory Liaison Service (PALS)

Freephone Tel: 0800-032-02-02

Information produced by: The Clinical Directorate of Radiology

Review date: January 2009