X-Ray Patient Information Leaflet
What Is Plain X-Ray?
X-Rays are a type of invisible electromagnetic radiation and create no sensation when they pass through
the body. X-Ray is used in many different ways in medical diagnosis – an x-ray is produced when a small
amount of radiation passes through the body and strikes a sensitive screen placed on the other side of
the body.
X-rays are absorbed into tissues and bones at varying degrees, depending ultimately on the composition
and mass. For instance, bone, which does not allow much radiation to penetrate, results in white images
being produced whereas lungs which are less dense, as they are filled with air, would appear darker.
Risks – What Are The Side Effects?
We are exposed to radiation in the environment everyday. Radiation is involved in an x-ray but the dose
received is very small– during a procedure, a patient
is exposed to approximately 1/5 of radiation we are
all exposed to each year. The exposure is similar to
the amount you would receive during a transatlantic
flight.
Women should inform their doctor or radiographer if
there is any possibility they are pregnant as unborn
children are at greater risk of being exposed to XRays because they are still developing.
Page 1 of 3 Author HS Approved by NS Policy Version 2.0 Issue Date Dec 2010
Before Your Appointment
No special preparations for your X-Ray exam need to be made, however, as far as possible, please
remove jewellery that may interfere with the examination, for example, rings for hand X-Rays and
necklaces for chest X-Rays.
The X-Ray Procedure
You may be asked by the radiographer to sit, stand or lie on the table depending on which body part is
being examined. The radiographer may re-position your body to get the correct position. In order for the
radiographer to be protected from the many doses of radiation they would receive in the course of their
occupation, they stand behind a screen whilst the x-ray is performed.
Once completed, you will be asked to wait whilst the radiographer checks the images.
The actual procedure usually only lasts 5-10 minutes.
Can You Bring A Relative/ Friend?
Yes but for reasons of safety, they may not be able to accompany you into the room.
The Results
At the time of examination the radiographer will not be able to give you any results. A consultant
radiologist will report on the X-Ray images and a report and images will be sent to your referrer who can
then interpret the results to you. You will take a CD of the images home with you on the day.
Page 1 of 3 Author HS Approved by NS Policy Version 2.0 Issue Date Dec 2010
About Us
The MRI Imaging Service run by the Cobalt Appeal has been scanning patients since 1993 we are certified
to ISO9001:2008 for the quality of service that we give our patients. We use state-of-the-art equipment
providing the full range of magnetic strengths available from High field OPEN magnet to the latest 3T field
magnet.
Our clinic offers a comprehensible range of MRI, CT, PET/CT scanning, and Ultrasound including

The UK’s first high field Open scanner

Europe’s first 3.0 Tesla Mobile scanner

The world’s first and only designed open PET/CT Scanner

Ultrasound

X-Ray
For Further Information Please See Our Website
www.cobalthealth.co.uk
Cheltenham Imaging Centre
X Ray Department
Linton House Clinic
Thirlestaine Road
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL53 7AS
T - 01242 535910 F – 01242 535919
E – switchboard@cobalthealth.co.uk
Page 1 of 3 Author HS Approved by NS Policy Version 2.0 Issue Date Dec 2010