X-Ray

Patient Information

Did you know...

X-rays, originally named Röntgen rays, were discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen. Röntgen had been doing experiments with cathode rays—streams of electrons in vacuum tubes. He noticed that when the Cathode Ray Tube was on that it "lit up" a fluorescent screen several feet away. As he had no idea what they were, he named them "X" rays representing the unknown. After Röntgen prepared one of the earliest X-ray images of the bones in the hand of his wife, she remarked: “Now I have seen my death!”

WHAT IS X-RAY

X-ray is the most common form of medical imaging, using a small dose of ionising radiation (x-ray) to create a black-and-white image of your body.  It has very high resolution and can see very subtle differences in density.  X-ray is widely used for assessing the lungs e.g. chest x-ray as well as the skeleton for fractures and degenerative changes. 

BEFORE THE X-RAY

What to bring

  • Your Medicare Card
  • Your referral from your doctor

Wear comfortable clothing without any metal snaps, zippers, jewellery or buttons. Metal objects can show up on the X-ray, so it’s best to avoid them. Otherwise, we will provide a gown for you to change into.

Let the radiographer know if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. They’ll take precautions if needed.

DURING THE X-RAY

The radiographer will give you specific instructions about how to position your body. They might ask you to stand, sit, or lie down in a certain way.

It’s important to stay as still as possible during the X-ray. This ensures the image is clear and accurate.

You’ll be positioned in front of the X-ray machine or lie on an X-ray table. The machine will make a buzzing or clicking noise, but there’s nothing to worry about.

Sometimes, the technologist will provide you with a lead apron to cover certain parts of your body that don’t need to be X-rayed. This is to minimize your exposure to radiation.

Most X-rays are quick, taking just a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the type of X-ray you’re having.

AFTER THE X-RAY

Your X-ray will be reviewed by a radiologist, and the results will be shared with your healthcare provider. They will discuss the findings with you.

Remember that X-rays are a common and safe way for doctors to see inside your body and diagnose various conditions.

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