X-Ray
An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are a very effective way of detecting problems with bones, such as fractures. They can also often identify problems with soft tissue, such as pneumonia or breast cancer.
If you have a X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part of your body being X-rayed is between the X-ray tube and the photographic plate.
An X-ray is usually carried out by a radiographer, a healthcare professional who specialises in using imaging technology, such as X-rays and ultrasound scanners.
It is your responsibility to contact the surgery for results of your x-ray, scan or ultrasound. The surgery will contact you if the result requires further action. This may be by letter or a phone call, asking you to make an appointment or telephone consultation.
You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Choices website.