X-Ray
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Learn what to expect when visiting the Emergency Department. Learn More
Overview
An X-ray is the simplest, fastest, and most widely used medical imaging test. It is excellent for looking at bones — fractures, dislocations, arthritis — and is also routinely used for the chest, sinuses, dental, and abdominal problems. At St. Stephen’s Hospital, all X-rays are digital. Images are reviewed by a radiologist and the report shared with your treating doctor.
What is this test?
An X-ray machine sends a small dose of radiation through the body. Different tissues absorb different amounts: bone absorbs the most and appears white on the image; air absorbs the least and appears black; soft tissue appears in shades of grey. The radiation dose used in a single X-ray is very small — roughly equivalent to a few days of background radiation from the environment.
Why your doctor may order it
- Bones — fractures, dislocations, arthritis, bone tumours
- Chest — pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart size, fluid in the lungs, certain cancers
- Sinus — to look for blockage or infection
- Abdomen — to look for obstruction, perforation, kidney stones
- Dental — cavities, root infections, before tooth extraction
- Spine — for initial assessment of back pain, before deciding on MRI
- Post-surgical check — to verify position of an implant, plate, or screw
How long does it take?
Most X-rays take 5 to 10 minutes including positioning and the exposure itself. The X-ray exposure is over in a fraction of a second. Total time at the hospital, including registration, is typically 20 to 30 minutes.
How to prepare
- No fasting is required for most X-rays.
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal — zips, buttons, hooks, or embroidery in the area being scanned will show on the image.
- Remove jewellery, watches, and metal items from the area being X-rayed. You may be asked to change into a gown.
- Tell the team if you are pregnant or might be — X-rays are usually avoided in pregnancy unless essential, and abdominal shielding can be used if needed with written consent. Last menstrual period is noted and if more than 10 days before pregnancy test is advised in young patients.
- Bring your prescription and previous X-rays if you have them.
What to expect during the test
You stand, sit, or lie down depending on the X-ray. The technician positions you so the part of the body being imaged is between the X-ray source and the detector. You will be asked to hold very still — and sometimes hold your breath — for a second or two while the image is taken. The technician will step behind a screen during the exposure. Most X-rays take only one or two views, but for some body parts (the spine, for example) several views may be needed. The whole process is painless.
After the test
- You can leave immediately and resume normal activities.
- The image is usually viewable on screen straight away. The official radiologist's report is typically ready the same day/ within 24 hours.
- Share the report with your treating doctor for interpretation.
Do's and Don'ts
- Tell the technician if you might be pregnant. (Technicians ask for last menstrual period to make sure the foetal is not exposed to radiation.
- Remove all metal from the area being scanned.
- Hold still and follow breathing instructions for clear images.
- Bring previous X-rays for comparison — they help the radiologist see change.
- Ask for shielding if the X-ray is near your abdomen and you are of reproductive age.
- Don't have an X-ray during pregnancy unless your doctor confirms it is essential.
- Don't bring a child into the X-ray room unless the child needs X-ray.
- Don't wear necklaces or chains if having a chest or neck X-ray.
- Don't assume a normal X-ray means everything is fine — some conditions (early arthritis, soft tissue injury, small fractures) don't show on plain X-ray.
- Don't have repeated X-rays of the same part without your doctor knowing — radiation dose adds up
Understanding your results
An X-ray report describes the bones, joints, lungs, or other structures visible. Common terms — “no fracture seen,” “clear lung fields,” “degenerative changes” — describe what the radiologist sees. “Degenerative changes” usually means age-related wear and tear and may or may not be the cause of your symptoms. Some findings (a hairline fracture, an early infection) may be missed on plain X-ray. If your symptoms continue despite a normal X-ray, your doctor may order an MRI, CT, or ultrasound for further detail.
Frequently asked questions
A chest X-ray delivers about 0.1 mSv of radiation — roughly the same as 10 days of normal background radiation from the environment. The dose is small and the risk is very low.
Yes. An X-ray does not affect breast milk. You can feed normally before and after.
A single view is a 2D image of a 3D structure. A second view (from the side, for example) helps the radiologist confirm what they are seeing and is often needed to detect subtle problems.
Yes. Old X-rays help the radiologist compare and detect change. Bring them whenever you can.
Yes — for most X-rays, a doctor's prescription is required, both to ensure the right view and to interpret the result in context.