X-Ray

X-Ray images are produced when a small amount of radiation is passed through a part of the body. X-Ray images show solid bone structures as a whiter colour and muscle areas as more of a grey colour because different structures in the body absorb different amounts of radiation. You will need a referral from your doctor if you require us to perform an X-Ray.

There can be several reasons why doctors have referred for you to have an X-Ray, such as broken bones, diagnosis of arthritis in the joints, diagnosis chest and lung infections and conditions such as pneumonia, etc.

X-Rays and CT scans involve the use of ionising radiation. Ultrasound does not involve ionising radiation. Ionising radiation may cause damage to the body’s cells. Your referring doctor assesses the need for the examination and its diagnostic benefits against the potential risks before they refer you for your X-Ray.

Our staff will also carry a similar assessment before we commence your examination. As a guiding principle, ordering an x-ray or CT examination is appropriate if the results are likely to be beneficial in treatment and if the risk is less than the chances of missing a disorder that would have been treatable. A chest x-ray would expose a person to approximately the same amount of radiation as it would if they were to have a four-hour flight. Smaller examinations such as X-Rays of the hand would involve even less radiation than this.

Background radiation is constantly all around us – in the ground, air, plants, buildings, etc. Radiation dose from an x-ray or CT scan is variable and will only represent a very small fraction of our lifetime exposure to background radiation.

X-Rays and CT scans may be required for pregnant women and children may be required in certain circumstances. Extra care would need to be taken to optimise the study and ensure that the benefit for having the examination outweighs any potential risks. You must advise your doctor and the radiographer if you are or think you may be pregnant so that we can discuss with you on the risks and benefits associated with having the scan.