X-ray
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure commonly used to produce images of the inside of the body.
It is a very effective way of looking at bones and can be used to help detect a range of conditions.
X-rays are usually carried out in hospital X-ray departments by trained specialists called radiographers. They can also be carried out by other healthcare professionals, such as dentists.
Read NHS 111 Wales information about X-raysHow X-rays work
X-rays are a type of radiation that can pass through the body. They cannot be seen by the naked eye and you cannot feel them.
As X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed at different rates by different parts of the body. A detector picks up the X-rays after they have passed through and turns them into an image.
Dense parts of the body, such as bone, show up as clear white areas. Softer parts, such as the heart and lungs, show up as darker areas.
When X-rays are used
X-rays can be used to examine most areas of the body. They are mainly used to look at bones and joints, although they can sometimes be used to detect problems affecting soft tissue, such as internal organs.
Problems that may be detected during an X-ray include:
- bone fractures and breaks
- tooth problems, such as loose teeth and dental abscesses
- scoliosis, which is an abnormal curve of the spine
- non-cancerous and cancerous bone tumours
- lung problems, such as pneumonia and lung cancer
- swallowing problems
- heart problems, such as heart failure
- breast cancer
X-rays can also be used to guide doctors or surgeons during certain procedures.
Preparing for an X-ray
You do not usually need to do anything special to prepare for a standard X-ray. You can normally eat and drink as usual and continue taking your usual medicines.
You may need to stop taking certain medicines or avoid eating and drinking for a few hours if you are having an X-ray that uses a contrast agent.
Tell the hospital if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. X-rays are not usually recommended during pregnancy unless it is an emergency.
It is a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothes. You may need to remove jewellery or clothing containing metal, such as zips.
Having an X-ray
During an X-ray, you will usually be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surface so the part of your body being examined can be positioned correctly.
The X-ray machine will be carefully aimed at the part of your body being examined. The radiographer will operate the machine from behind a screen or from the next room.
The X-ray only lasts for a fraction of a second. You will not feel anything while it is being carried out.
You will need to keep still so the image is not blurred. More than one X-ray may be taken from different angles to provide as much information as possible.
The procedure will usually only take a few minutes.
Contrast X-rays
In some cases, a substance called a contrast agent may be given before an X-ray is carried out. This can help show soft tissues more clearly on the X-ray.
Types of X-rays involving a contrast agent may include:
- Barium swallow: barium is swallowed to help highlight the upper digestive system.
- Barium enema: barium is passed into the bowel through the bottom.
- Angiography: iodine is injected into a blood vessel to highlight the heart and blood vessels.
- Intravenous urogram, also known as IVU: iodine is injected into a blood vessel to highlight the kidneys and bladder.
These types of X-rays may need special preparation and usually take longer. Your appointment letter should explain anything you need to do to prepare.
What happens after an X-ray?
You will not usually have any after-effects from a standard X-ray and you should be able to go home shortly afterwards.
You can usually return to your normal activities straight away.
If a contrast agent was used, you may have temporary side effects. For example, barium can turn your poo a whitish colour for a few days. Some people may develop a rash or feel sick after having an iodine injection.
The X-ray images often need to be examined by a radiologist before you are given the results. The report may be sent to your GP or the doctor who requested the X-ray, who will discuss the results with you.
Are X-rays safe?
People are often concerned about being exposed to radiation during an X-ray. The part of your body being examined is only exposed to a low level of radiation for a very short time.
The benefits and risks of having an X-ray will be considered before it is recommended.
If you have concerns, speak to your doctor or radiographer before the procedure.
GOV.UK: patient dose informationFurther information
For more information about X-rays, including how they work, when they are used and possible risks, visit NHS 111 Wales.