X-Ray
What is Plain X-Ray?
An X-Ray involves positioning the area of your body that is going to be examined between a tube that produces an image, such as a chest X-Ray, either digitally or on film or both. The exam 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. Different parts of the body absorb different amounts of X-Rays depending on how thick (dense) they are. In the final image, dense structures such as bone appear white and less dense structures such as the lungs appear darker, with the entire X-Ray in shades of grey.
About your Plain X-Ray appointment
Are there any side effects?
A standard 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.
However, if you receive many doses of radiation, the effect can build up and be harmful. Simply put, the less you receive, the better. As a matter of safety, your doctor will only ask you to have an X-Ray examination when there is no other way to find out the information. You will have as few X-Rays as possible.
Unborn children are at greater risk from being exposed to X-Rays because they are still developing. For this reason, routine X-Ray examinations may not be performed on women who could be pregnant or get pregnant within 28 days of a normal menstrual period. For some examinations that need higher doses of X-Ray, this may be reduced to 10 days. If you are, or suspect that you may be pregnant, please tell the radiographer before the X-Ray is carried out.
All the information you give will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Before your appointment
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 will 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.
The radiographer must limit the number of people in the X-Ray room to those involved in the examination. If you need a friend, relative or carer to come with you, please let us know when you book your appointment.
If you need help because you speak a different language, please let us know when you book your appointment.
When you arrive
One of our staff will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. As we have already said, you may have to undress and put on an examination gown.
The examination
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 X-Ray tube will shine a light on the part of your body 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. They need to do this because although a single X-Ray uses a very small amount of radiation, the effect of many X-Rays builds up, and radiographers take many X-Rays every day. 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. 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 images, depending on your clinical condition.
How long will it take?
The time spent in the X-Ray room will probably be about five to 10 minutes, although this can vary significantly depending on the type and number of X-Rays you are having. Please allow enough time for your appointment.
When will I get the results?
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. The doctor who sent you for your X-Ray will receive your report and images within four working days of your examination. You should contact your doctor to receive your results unless he or she has made different arrangements with you. Occasionally, you may need more X-Rays before you see your doctor again. In this case, we may phone you asking you to come back to the X-Ray centre.
Dental OPG’s
The London Imaging Centre provides specialized OPG’s An OPG (orthopantomograph) is an advanced X-Ray image comprising of a single X-Ray that shows the entire jaw line, tooth and bone structure, dental nervous system and sinus passage.
We can perform OPG’s as a walk in service, however you must bring a referral form from your dentist.
Immigration Visas Chest X-Rays
The London Imaging Centre is a registered site for Visa Application Chest X-Rays. We are able to provide chest X-Rays for immigration Visa purposes to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and other countries. Please contact us for more details on 020 7467 8800.
Visa X-Rays can be performed on a walk in or scheduled basis. Appointments for X-Rays can be done between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
General Information
The London Imaging Centre offers a walk in service for general X-Rays, which means that you do not generally need an appointment. You will need to have a signed referral from a qualified medical doctor. It is wise to check with the London Imaging centre first if you are in any doubt.
