X-ray

An x-ray is a safe and painless procedure that's often used to produce images of the inside of the body.

X-rays can also be used to examine organs and identify problems. For example, an x-ray can highlight a lung infection, such as pneumonia.

They are also often used by surgeons during therapeutic procedures, such as a coronary angioplasty, to help guide equipment to the area being treated.

X-rays are carried out by radiographers or assistant practitioners, who are healthcare professionals trained to use imaging technology, including x-ray machines, computerised tomography (CT) scanners and ultrasound scanners. Some specialist radiographers are also trained to make a diagnosis from the examination.

During an x-ray, you'll be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surface so that the part of your body being examined is positioned between the x-ray machine and an imaging plate.

The x-ray will last for a fraction of a second. As the x-rays hit the imaging plate, the plate will capture a snapshot of the image.

The image will then be transferred to a computer so that a radiologist or radiographer can study them and produce a report. Radiologists are doctors who are specially trained to carry out examinations and interpret medical images, such as x-rays and CT scans.