Radiology ServicesX-Rays

X-ray medical imaging

X-rays are the most used form of medical imaging.

X-ray or radiography uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the body’s internal structures. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

They are often used to help diagnose fractured bones, look for injury or infection and to locate foreign objects in soft tissue.

An X-ray does not require any advance preparation by the patient.

What to expect when getting X-rays.

Shortly before the procedure you will be given access to a room in which to remove relevant clothing and jewellery and to put on the provided examination gown.

Metal objects, such as keys, hair clips, coins and mobile phones, must be removed from the path of the X-ray beam.

What to expect when getting x-rays
Knee x-ray

X-rays are safe and non-intrusive.

Some body parts, which are sensitive to radiation may need to be protected with a lead shield. The area to be examined will need to be exposed but the rest of your body will be covered.

You will be asked to position yourself between an X-ray tube and an X-ray receiver and lie still whilst the X-ray is taken (for less than a second). You may also be asked to hold your breath.

Comprehensive information leads to better diagnosis.

Some X-ray procedures take a short amount of time and others may take longer depending on the complexity of the examination and the number of X-rays required.

X-rays may need to be taken from several different angles so that the radiologist can gain as much information as possible.