General X-Ray

X-rays are low-levels of radiation that penetrate through the body to create an image, with the x-rays being absorbed differently between soft tissue and hard tissues (i.e. bone).

Preparation

  • Patients should wear loose comfortable clothes (no zippers, buttons, jewellery or metallic accessories).
  • Patients should arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork
  • Patients must bring their request/referral form on the day (or check that their request/referral is at the practice)
  • Notify Lakes Radiology team of any allergies, existing medications and if there is a chance you could be pregnant
  • Patients will be given a gown to change into, removing all personal items that could interfere with the quality of images such as watches, wallet, phone, piercings, jewellery.
  • Patients only are able to remain in the x-ray room during the process
  • Children may require another person such as a parent or carer in the room with them

Procedure

  • A radiographer / technician will invite you to the x-ray room
  • The patient will be provided with information about  the procedure with ample opportunity to ask questions about the procedure
  • The patient may be  positioned in different ways to obtain images of the area being x-rayed
  • The radiographer / technician will review the x-rays and may perform additional images
  • The patient will be informed when  the procedure is finished
  • A radiologist will view the images and will provide a report to the referring doctor
  • The result will be forwarded to the patient’s referring doctor
  • Patients should contact the referring doctor for the result
  • Urgent reports will be forwarded expediently

Risks or Side Effects

  • X-rays are usually painless
  • Radiation levels are considered to be too low to cause adverse health effects.


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