Digital X-ray Guide

The information below is intended for patients preparing for digital X-ray imaging at Melbourne Radiology Clinic. An X-ray is a quick and safe procedure that is commonly used as a means of looking at the human body. Some X-rays are performed in the standing position and others are taken lying down. Whilst X-rays themselves are painless, in some instances, you may experience slight discomfort caused by the position you are required to be placed in during the examination.

Fact Sheets | Diagnostic Imaging 

Digital X-ray Information

Preparation

You are not required to undertake any advance preparation for an X-ray. Once at Melbourne Radiology, you will be taken to a change room. You will be requested to remove relevant clothing and jewellery and to wear the provided examination gown.

All metal objects, such as keys, clips, buttons, coins and mobile phones, must be removed from the path of the X-ray beam.

Some body parts which are sensitive to radiation may be protected with a lead shield. The area to be examined will need to be exposed but the rest of you will be covered. You will be placed between an X-ray tube and an X-ray cassette and asked to lie still whilst the X-ray is taken (less than a second). You may also be asked to hold your breath.

The X-ray equipment used at Melbourne Radiology Clinic is digitised and therefore provides superior image quality and a lower radiation dose than standard X-ray units.

Procedure

Some X-ray procedures take a short amount of time and others may take longer depending on the complexity of the examination and the number of X-rays required. X-rays may be taken from several different angles so that the doctor can gain as much information as possible. We can give you an indication of the duration of your appointment either when you make a booking, or upon arrival.

FEMALE PATIENTS
Female patients who know or think that they might be pregnant, must advise the radiographer of this upon arrival and before the examination.
Radiation Safety - Radiation exposure and pregnancy

If there is any doubt, a different test that doesn’t use X-rays may be performed. If no substitute test is appropriate, then the test may be cancelled pending further confirmation as to whether you are pregnant or not. X-rays may be harmful to the unborn child. The risk of harm from a diagnostic X-ray scan in an adult is very small and balanced against the risk of not performing the scan. The information gained from an X-ray, such as an early diagnosis and treatment, may have significant health benefits.

Radiation Safety & You – Patient Fact Sheet

Imaging

Your X-rays will be taken by a university-qualified radiographer who is qualified in conducting the X-ray.

Once performed, you will be given the X-rays either by way of film and/or a CD. If given to you in film, you are requested to keep your X-rays at home, stored in a flat position in a dry,cool place.

Results &
Follow-Up

Your Images and Report

One of Melbourne Radiology Clinic’s specialist radiologists, a medical doctor specialising in the interpretation of medical images for the purposes of providing a diagnosis, will then review the images and provide a formal written report. If medically urgent, or you have an appointment immediately after the scan to be seen by your doctor or health care provider, Melbourne Radiology Clinic will have your results ready without delay. Otherwise, the report will be received by your doctor or health care provider within the next 24 hours.

Follow-up Appointment

Please ensure that you make a follow up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your results.

Your referring doctor or health care provider is the most appropriate person to explain to you the results of the scans and for this reason, we do not release the results directly to you.

Reminders

Previous Scans & Reports

Please bring to the clinic any prior scans (eg. X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI, CT) and reports as these will assist our radiologist in assessing your condition.

Any Referral Request Accepted

Please note that any referral for a scan is valid at Melbourne Radiology Clinic, even if it has been written or printed on a referral form or stationery supplied by another radiology provider.

If you have any further queries about your appointment please call Melbourne Radiology Clinic on (03) 9667 1667  – we are always only too happy to help.

Appointment Time

Whilst every effort is made to keep your appointment time, the special needs of complex cases, elderly and frail patients can cause unexpected delays. Your consideration and patience in these circumstances is appreciated.