X-ray

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light. However, X-rays have higher energy than light and can pass through most objects, including the body.

By placing an X-ray detector or plate on the other side of a person, an image will be formed that represents the “shadows” created by the objects inside the body.

Structures containing:

• air (such as the lungs) will be black,
• muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of grey and
• dense structures such as bones will block most of the X-ray particles, and will appear white.

Video: What is an X-ray?

You will be asked to remove your watch, jewellery or garments with metal closures from the part of your body being imaged. These items can block part of the image.

• You may be asked to wear a gown.
• You may be asked about your overall health or any medications you take.

Let the radiographer (the person who performs your X-ray) know if you:

• are or may be pregnant
• have had an X-ray of this part of your body before
• have metal (eg, a pacemaker or a surgical pin) in the part of your body being imaged.

During your X-ray

• You will be asked to lie on a table, sit or stand.
• A lead apron may be draped over part of your body to shield it from the X-rays.
• With an X-ray of your chest or abdomen, you will have to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.
• Having an X-ray is like having a photo taken. You need to hold still and you will not feel anything. 
• While having an X-ray is painless, sometimes the position needed for the best view of the area being X-rayed is uncomfortable for a minute or two.
• For best results, remain as still as you can during your X-ray exam.
• These days, having an X-ray is very quick and most only take 5 to 10 minutes. 

After your X-ray

The films or images will be viewed by a radiologist (doctor who specialises in imaging) who will describe what the X-ray shows. This report will then be sent to your doctor who will discuss the test results with you during a follow-up appointment or over the phone.

Some people are concerned that having an X-ray increases your chance of getting cancer. However, it is also believed that you would have to be x-rayed many, many times to receive the amount of radiation that would be bad for your health. The amount of radiation you get from having a chest or limb X-ray is much less than the Earth’s natural radiation you are exposed to every day.

A chest X-ray is a ‘picture’ that shows the ribs, lungs, diaphragm and size of the heart. 

• When someone is acutely unwell with shortness of breath, fever and cough, a chest X-ray might be ordered to look for signs of infection, (such as pneumonia) inflammation, fluid build up in the lungs or tumours or masses.
• It is often used to assess people who have smoked for many years to look for signs of chronic lung disease and lung cancer.
• A chest X-ray is also often done before an operation to check the lungs and heart appear normal.

 Image credit: Mercy Radiology

Read more about chest X-ray.

• If you have ongoing pain in a joint such as a hip, knee or hands, you may have an X-ray to look for signs of arthritis. 
• Joint or limb X-rays are also done after an injury to look for broken bones or other causes of the pain. 
• Structures containing air will be black, and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of grey.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, radiology services such as X-rays, are available through public and private providers. 

Public Services
Find radiology services in your region(external link) HealthPoint NZ

Private Services
Find private radiology services in your region(external link) HealthPoint NZ