X-ray Information
If you’ve been referred for a X-ray examination at an InHealth Community Diagnostic Centre, you may be wondering what happens next. We understand that patients may be anxious about the scan and/or the process. Don’t worry, we have created lots of information here, so you can know what to expect. You will also receive this information in the post soon after your appointment is booked.
About your X-ray examination
What is an X-ray examination?
An X-ray examination involves positioning the area of your body that is going to be examined between a tube that produces X-rays and a digital plate. The examination is performed by a radiographer (a healthcare professional trained in how to use X-rays). X-rays pass through your body, and are absorbed by the tissues they pass through.
Are there any side effects?
An X-ray is painless. You cannot see or feel X-rays. X-rays are a form of radiation. Everybody receives a small amount of radiation from the environment every day. The radiation received from any single X-ray is very small, and would be similar to the amount you would be exposed to on a transatlantic flight.
Preparing for your scan
You do not need to make any special preparations for your X-ray examination. However, as far as possible, please remove jewellery that may interfere with the examination, for example, rings for hand X-rays and necklaces for chest X-rays. You may have to wear a gown if the X-ray is of your chest, stomach, hip or back. However, if you wear clothing that is free from metal you may not have to get changed.
If you have a disability, we can make reasonable adjustments to help you access your appointment more easily. If you would like any support, for example if you plan to attend with a carer or you may need extra time or help, please contact us on 0333 202 0300 to discuss your requirements.
Please do not bring any valuable items, or jewellery which you may be asked to remove, to your appointment. We cannot be held responsible for their loss or damage.
Unborn children are at greater risk from being exposed to X-rays because they are still developing. For this reason, if you are, or suspect that you may be pregnant, it is important that you tell the radiographer before the X-ray is carried out. All the information you give will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Your appointment
If you are unable to attend or need to rearrange your appointment, please have your NHS number to hand and call us on 0333 202 0300. Failure to do so not only deprives another patient of being seen but may also result in your referral being cancelled and returned to the care of your referring clinician.
Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before the appointment time, late arrival may result in your appointment being rescheduled for another date. Please ensure you are not accompanied by children under the age of 16.
The examination will be performed with you standing, sitting or lying on a table, depending on the area of your body that needs to be examined. The radiographer may need to press gently on bony parts of your body to make sure that you are in the right position. The radiographer will stand behind a radiation screen when the X-ray is made. Depending on the area of your body being examined, the radiographer may ask you to hold your breath while the X-ray is being taken.
Giving consent
You will need to sign a form to confirm that you are not pregnant. If you might be pregnant but the x-ray is essential you will be asked to sign an additional consent form.
This information is intended to give you an idea of what is involved in your X-ray. Before any medical procedure can be performed, the healthcare professional carrying out the procedure will let you know what to expect. It is your right to be given all the information you need to make an informed choice about whether you want to go through with the procedure or not. Please feel free to ask any questions.
Only verbal consent is required.
In addition to giving consent for the test or procedure to be undertaken, either verbal or written, all patients are required to give written consent to data sharing.
This is because we have to share patient identifiable information with other organisations in order to report a patient’s scan/test and we have to share the test results with the referring GP or consultant. InHealth has a strict policy regarding patient confidentiality which means that we never share information about patients with anyone/organisation that does not need to know about the patient’s clinical condition. If you are not willing to complete the consent process in accordance with our requirements it may not be possible to complete your test or procedure.
After your scan
The examination will take usually take between five and twenty minutes. After the X-rays have been taken, you will be asked to wait while the images are checked. It is sometimes necessary to take further X-rays.
There are no after effects from the examination. You can return to your normal activities as soon as the scan is over.
The radiographer who takes the X-ray will not be able to give you any results at the time of the examination. A consultant radiologist will analyse your X-rays and report back to the doctor who referred you for your X-ray.
Patient Information Leaflets
You can read and/or dowmload our X-ray patient leaflets below. You will also receive paper copies in the post. Please print and bring the completed patient questionnaire to your appointment.