X-rays are fast and easy and are particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment. A safe level of radiation passes through the body; for accurate results, you must remain completely still during the scan. Young children may need to be restrained to ensure accurate imaging.
The majority of X-rays last less than five minutes, although more complex scans that involve a contrast medium may take up to an hour. Your technologist will guide you through the procedure and you will have full communication with them at all times.
For some types of X-rays, you will be given a liquid called contrast medium to help highlight a specific area of your body on the X-ray image. You might be asked to swallow the contrast medium or receive it as an injection or an enema. Complications and reactions are very rare and the risk is minimal.
If you have known allergies to iodine, please let the staff know when booking your appointment as the intravenous dye (contrast) is iodine based. Additionally, patients who have renal failure or poor renal function may not receive contrast. Please let our staff know at the time of scheduling if this applies to you.