You should let us know if you are pregnant, or may be pregnant, as X-rays are not usually recommended if you are pregnant unless it’s an emergency.
On the day of your scan, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal parts like zips. However, depending on the body part being scanned, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. You will also need to remove jewellery, hearing aids, and piercings.
You don’t usually need to stop eating and drinking before an X-ray unless a contrast agent is going to be used during your procedure. In that case, your radiographer or doctor will give you instructions in advance.
In the X-ray room, you will be positioned either standing up or lying down for the X-ray. Your radiographer will help guide you into the correct position using a light from the X-ray machine. During the X-ray, you will need to stay as still as possible and listen to your radiographer’s instructions.
Your radiographer will operate the X-ray machine from behind a glass panel, but will be able to see and hear you at all times. During the X-ray, you will hear a whirring noise. Once the X-ray is finished, your radiographer will ask you to relax while they review the images. If the images need to be repeated, or if more images are needed, you will re-do the process.
You can go home immediately after your X-ray. The results will be sent to your consultant within 48 hours and they will discuss these with you at your next appointment.
There are limits to what an X-ray scan can show – for example, an X-ray is not the best choice for visualising organs that are made up of soft tissue, such as the liver.
If you are pregnant, you may be recommended an alternative procedure unless there is a clear clinical need for an X-ray scan.
Alternative imaging procedures may include:
