Risks of x-rays
Your doctor knows the risks of having an x-ray. Your doctor will consider the risks before recommending you to have an x-ray. Possible risks are:
- Not recommended for pregnant women
- Very small chance you could develop cancer in the long term from the radiation.
Preparation
- Bring your referral letter or request form and all x-rays taken within the last 2 years with you
- Leave the x-rays with the radiology staff as the doctor may need to look at them. The radiology staff will tell you when these are ready to be picked up
- Leave all jewellery and valuables at home
Just before the x-ray
- There is no special preparation for x-rays
- You may be given a gown to wear
- You may be asked to remove any metal objects
Important to tell your doctor before the x-ray
- If you are or may be pregnant
- If you have difficulty taking a deep breath and holding your breath
What happens during an x-ray?
X-ray staff will ask you to stand, sit or lie down depending on which part of the body is being x-rayed. Tell the x-ray staff if you have difficulty standing or sitting.
X-ray staff may place a protective shield over the parts of your body not being x-rayed, or you may be asked to wear a protective apron.
Once you are ready, the x-ray staff will go behind a screen or into the next room to start the x-ray machine. They will ask you to be still, and may ask you to take a deep breath and hold your breath during the x-rays.
When your x-ray is finished you will be asked to wait while the x-ray staff check the pictures, as you may need another x-ray.
The x-ray usually takes about 15 minutes including time taken to get ready.