For patient safety, patients exceeding the weight limit of 325 lbs. will not be done at London X-Ray Associates.
- Overview
Passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the body and capturing the resulting shadows on a digital screen creates x-ray images. The most common type of x-ray image ordered by doctors is the chest x-ray. This examination takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
- Common Reasons for a Chest X-ray
Some of the more common reasons why your doctor would order a chest x-ray include:
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Chest injury
- Feeling unwell/fatigue
- Weight loss
- Coughing up blood
- Choking episodes
- Smoking
- Previous/suspected cancer
- Positive Tuberculosis (TB) skin test
- Visa requirement
- Who should not have a Chest X-ray?
The chest x-ray, and indeed all x-ray examinations, should not be performed on pregnant women except when the information provided by the test is vital to treatment of the patient and there are no suitable alternatives.
- How do I prepare for the test?
No preparation is required.
- Who performs the examination?
An x-ray technologist (someone trained to take x-ray images) performs the examination.
- What happens during the examination?
After registering with the receptionist, you will be asked to change into a gown. It is important that no metal (jewelry, zippers, etc.) be in the area being x-rayed. You will have to remove your clothing from the waist up and any neck jewelry. You will be taken to an x-ray room where one or two pictures of your chest will be taken while you hold a deep breath. You will have to wait while the pictures are checked. A repeat picture is occasionally required.
- What are the risks of the procedure?
All x-rays involve receiving a controlled amount of radiation. The risk associated with the radiation received during a single x-ray examination is very small. While the exact likelihood is controversial, there is a very small chance of the radiation contributing to the development of a malignancy many years in the future. The risks involved in everyday activities such as driving a car are far higher. Generally, the risk of not doing the x-ray far outweighs the risk of the small amount of radiation involved.
- Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
The results are interpreted by one of our radiologists (a doctor who specializes in reading x-ray and other images and doing procedures requiring imaging). The results are sent to the doctor who ordered the chest x-ray by courier or fax.
Arrangements to discuss the results of the x-ray can be made with the doctor who ordered it.
