Your XRay Examination

Your X-ray Examination

What is the test used for?
X-ray examinations are used to look at many structures in the body. They are especially good at looking at the chest and at the limbs, but plain x-ray is a very versatile imaging method. The test relies on the fact that different parts of the body attenuate (stop) x-rays better than others.
Lungs are mostly gas, and the x-rays pass straight through. Bones are high in calcium, which stops x-rays.

What is the preparation for the test?
No preparation is necessary.

Will I have to undress?
Depending on what part of you is being examined, you may be asked to remove most of your clothes, but may keep on your underpants. Buttons, clips etc on clothes show up too well on x-ray and can be confusing to interpret or may hide abnormalities. You may be asked to change into a cotton gown, opened at the back.

Where will I be for the test?
It depends on the part to be examined. You may have to stand or sit in front of the x-ray film. You may be asked to lie down on an x-ray table. See the pictures on this page. The radiographer will guide you through it all, and the examination is rarely uncomfortable.

How is the test done?
X-rays are ionising radiation, generated by an x-ray tube. The rays are controlled by shielding down a narrow beam, directed towards the part of the body being examined. On the opposite side of the body, an x-ray film is positioned in the path of the x-rays, and is "exposed". The x-ray film is then processed and an image generated. Where the x-ray passes through the body easily, that part of the film will be black. Where x-rays are stopped, the film will be white and various shades of grey in between.

Does it hurt?
No

How long will it all take?
5 to 20 minutes depending on the number of views required.
More specialised examinations such as Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP), will take longer.
And after the test?
You can go home. If you have to take the films and report with you, there may be a wait of about 40 minutes to allow for film processing, interpretation by the radiologist and typing of the medical report.

What about Radiation?
Ionising radiation is used. (See radiation page)