Your referrer will have a holistic view of your medical history, so can advise on the outcome of a radiology report alongside all other tests results and previous or current medical conditions.Ī standard X-ray, where no contrast agent is used, doesn't have any side effects. The results of imaging examinations often only form a part of the investigations and treatments requested or carried out by consultants, so should not be read in isolation. You should arrange a follow up appointment with your referrer to receive the results of imaging examinations. Results are always returned to your referrer - this can be your NHS GP, private consultant or private GP, or an organisation (such as the MoD). However, there are occasions when a specialist radiologist opinion is needed and in these cases it can take a little bit longer. Spire hospitals have an agreement with radiologists that reports should be completed within five working days - this is regardless of the body part that has been scanned. Depending on the results of your X-ray, your referring doctor may be able to make a clear diagnosis and recommend treatment, or they may recommend further imaging or blood tests. A radiologist (a doctor trained to read X-rays) will examine the X-ray images and they’ll send a report to your doctor who requested your scan. These procedures usually need more time to prepare for than a standard X-ray without a contrast agent.Ī radiographer will carry out your X-ray and afterwards, you can return to your usual activities. You will be advised of any specialist requirements. In some cases, you may need to have a contrast agent so that certain tissues in your body show up more clearly during your X-ray. If you have a young child who is having an X-ray, you can stay in the room with them but will need to wear a lead apron to prevent any unnecessary exposure to the X-rays. You may need to have several X-rays taken from different angles. You will need to remain still to prevent the X-ray image from blurring. The X-ray only takes a few seconds and you will not feel anything as the X-rays pass through your body. This will allow your care team to correctly position the part of your body that needs to be imaged by the X-ray machine.Ī person specially trained in taking X-rays (a radiographer) will operate the machine from behind a screen. You will sit down, lie down on a flat table or stand on or against a flat surface. If you have any metal implants or shrapnel, tell your care team as these can prevent X-rays from passing through your body and disrupt the X-ray images collected. In some cases, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Any metal items will need to be removed before your X-ray. On the day of your X-ray, make sure you are wearing loose, comfortable clothes without any metal attachments (eg zips, buckles or metal buttons) and try not to wear any jewellery on the area being X-rayed. In some cases, you may also need to take medications to empty your bowels. You may also need to fast and avoid drinking certain fluids before an X-ray to examine your gut. Your care team will advise you on this before you come in for your X-ray. However, if you are having a contrast agent for your X-ray, you may need to avoid eating and drinking for several hours before your X-ray and stop taking certain medications. This means you can eat, drink and take any medications as usual. For standard X-rays ie where no contrast agent is needed, you don’t usually need to do anything special to prepare.