GP with X-Ray
An X-Ray is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. This involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-Ray is the fastest and easiest way to view and assess broken bones, joint and spine injuries, sports injuries, infections, arthritis, abnormal bone growths, bone changes, locate foreign objects in soft tissues in or around bones. Chest X-rays are used to detect lung infections such as tuberculosis (TB) and pneumonia. Women should always inform their physician or radiographer if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Special care is taken during X-Ray examinations to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation.
Your doctor may request this imaging test when further assessment is needed for symptoms or clinical concerns involving the chest, lungs, heart, bones, or surrounding structures.
Common reasons may include:
- persistent cough
- chest discomfort
- breathing difficulty
- chest injury
- suspected infection
- follow-up imaging requested by a doctor
- part of selected medical evaluations before treatment or admission
Back to other medical imaging services.
What To Expect During Your Visit
During the appointment, a radiographer will guide you through the imaging process. You may be asked to remove certain metal items and to stand, sit, or lie in a specific position depending on the area being examined.
In general:
- Your identity and referral details are checked
- You may be asked to remove metal objects from the area being examined
- The radiographer positions you for the image
- You may be asked to stay still or hold your breath briefly
- The scan is completed and you may leave once the images are captured
The examination is usually quick, and the exact duration depends on the type of image required.
How Results And Follow-up Are Handled
After your images are completed, they will be reviewed according to the clinic’s reporting workflow. If you were referred by a doctor, the results may be shared with the referring doctor for follow-up discussion. If additional review is needed, the clinic team will advise on the next steps.
You may wish to ask:
- How results will be communicated
- When they are expected to be available
- Whether a follow-up consultation is needed
X-ray Imaging FAQs
How long does the imaging visit usually take?
The imaging visit is usually completed within about 20 minutes, although the actual image capture itself only takes a few seconds. The total time may vary depending on the area being examined and whether more than one image is needed.
Do I need a referral before coming in?
This may depend on the clinic’s process and the reason for the examination. In some cases, patients are asked to bring a doctor’s referral form and any previous imaging for comparison. If you are unsure, it is best to check before your visit.
What should I wear for the appointment?
It is generally advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing for the examination. In some cases, you may be asked to change into a gown depending on the area being imaged.
Do I need to remove jewellery or other metal items?
Yes, you may be asked to remove jewellery, hairpins, hearing aids, or other metal items before the examination, as these can affect image quality.
Is the radiation exposure kept low during the examination?
Medical imaging that uses X-rays is generally performed with very small amounts of radiation, and modern equipment is designed to use the lowest possible dose needed to produce clear images. The medical benefit of an accurate diagnosis usually outweighs the small radiation risk.
What should I do if I am pregnant or may be pregnant?
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please inform the healthcare team before the examination. Extra precautions may be needed, and the team can advise whether the scan should proceed or if an alternative approach is more appropriate.