X-ray (radiography) is the most frequently performed radiology procedure. TRG Group performs many thousands of these types of examinations each year. Xrays are essential for the assessment of many body areas - for example arms and legs following trauma, chest xrays for asthmatics.

What are x-rays?

X-rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes radio waves, microwaves and visible light. They have an extremely short wavelength, or high frequency, making them high energy. This means they can penetrate most materials . X-rays are used in medicine to examine the body 'structure'. They are most useful for bony structures in the body but do show some soft tissue (non bony areas) detail as well. When they were discovered in 1895, the "x" stood for "unknown”, because they were so mysterious! The name has been used ever since.

How do x-rays produce an image?

An x-ray image (radiograph) is produced on a film or photosensitive plate when the x-ray beam passes through your body. It is the density of the body's structures that determines how easily the x-rays penetrate and what image they will produce. X-rays pass through soft tissue very easily, while bones and dense tissue are more difficult for the x-rays to pass through. X-rays easily pass through areas of the body where there is air, such as in the lungs, and the film appears black. In soft tissues, such as fat, skin and muscle, fewer x-rays pass through and these tissues appear in different shades of gray. Dense structures, such as bone, allow even fewer x-rays to pass through and appear white. X-rays are two-dimensional images, therefore many images of different angles may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

			Pre Examination
	X-ray examinations do not require an appointment but, if the practice is very busy, patients with appointments are seen before those without. Refer to the Locations page for contact details and opening hours of your local practice. You will require a referral note from your Health Provider (doctor, Specialist, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Podiatrist). If you have x-ray films from previous x-rays of the same body area, please ask the receptionist when you make your appointment whether or not you should bring them with you.

			The Examination
	You will be asked to remove clothing if it has buttons and / or zips. We have large T shirts for you to change in to An x-ray requires the area being x-rayed to be placed close to the x-ray plate. You will be asked to remain in a specific position and you may have to hold your breath for a few seconds. If you are having your chest x-rayed you will usually stand or sit with your chest close to, and with your arms positioned around, the flat x-ray plate. The plate may be cold, but it should not be uncomfortable. If you are having a leg x-rayed, you will be asked to lie or sit on an x-ray bed with the x-ray plate under your leg. Your x-ray will be performed by a radiographer.The examination time will vary depending on the type of procedure required but, as a rule, it will take around 10 to 30 minutes.

			Post Examination
	After the procedure, the radiographer will let you know whether you need to wait or if your examination is completed. Sometimes further x-rays will be needed if the area is not shown clearly or if a clear image was not captured the first time. The radiologist will send a written report on your x-ray images to the person who referred you. You may wish to contact your referrer to discuss the examination report with them.