How do I book an X-ray?

To book an X-ray we will first need a referral letter from a GP or consultant. Once we have your referral letter we will contact you to make an appointment.

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure commonly used to produce images of the inside of the body.

As X-rays pass through the body their energy is absorbed by different structures at different rates. A detector picks up the x-rays after they’ve passed through the body and turns them into an image.

X-rays are most commonly used to examine denser parts of the body such as joints and bones.

How do I prepare for an X-ray?

You will be sent an appointment letter before your X-ray that will tell you exactly what you will need to do before you arrive for you appointment.

In most instances you can eat and drink as normal, however, you may need to stop taking certain medications and avoid eating and drinking for a few hours beforehand if you’re having an X-ray that uses a contrast agent. Please read these instructions carefully.

When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and sign a consent form, this will only be required if you are having interventional procedures, such as an injection into a joint under X-ray control . If you have questions about any aspect of the X-ray, please ask. It’s important to us that you are perfectly comfortable and understand everything before your X-ray starts.

What happens during an X-ray?

The X-ray equipment is operated by a radiographer, who will explain everything to you and answer any questions you may have.

During an X-ray, you’ll usually be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surface so that the part of your body being examined can be positioned in the right place.

The X-ray machine, which looks like a tube containing a large light bulb, will be carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined by the radiographer.

The X-ray will last for a fraction of a second. You won’t feel anything while it’s carried out.

While the X-ray is being taken, you’ll need to keep still so the image produced isn’t blurred. More than one X-ray may be taken from different angles to provide as much information as possible

The procedure will usually only take a few minutes.

In some cases a substance called a contrast agent may be given before an X-ray is carried out. This can help show soft tissues more clearly.

These types of X-rays may need special preparation beforehand and will usually take longer to carry out. Your appointment letter will mention anything you need to do to prepare.

Are X-rays safe?

There is very little risk with having an X-ray as the part of your body being examined will only be exposed to a low level of radiation for a fraction of a second.

The benefits and risks of having an X-ray will have been weighed up before it’s recommended. 

Female patients who are, or might be pregnant, should tell the radiographer who will decide if special precautions need to be taken.

How long will it take to get the results of my X-ray?

Our radiologist will need to examine and report on your X-ray and your results will be available within a few days.