X-ray
X-rays are a type of high energy radiation that can pass through the body. Dense tissue such as bone blocks X-rays, meaning that an X-ray image will show the inside of your body, using the body’s density as the image’s ‘dark’ and ‘light’ sections of the image. These images, interpreted by a radiologist, can diagnose many conditions.
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What is it for?
To help detect abnormalities of bone or teeth
Overview
What happens in an X-ray?
An X-ray is like having a photograph taken, but of the inside of your body. An imaging plate will be placed behind the area to be X-rayed. The X-ray machine will deliver a short burst of X-rays through this part of your body. The X-rays will pass through your body and arrive on the imaging plate placed behind you.
From the imaging plate a digital X-ray image is produced. This X-ray image is studied by a specialist consultant radiologist, who is an expert in X-rays. The radiologist will send a report to your referring clinician.
X-rays are painless and cannot be seen or felt. You will be asked to stay still during the X-ray.
What do X-rays help to diagnose?
- Any abnormalities of bone or teeth, such as fractures
- Abnormalities in joints such as osteoarthritis
- Size and shape of the heart to help with the detection of some heart conditions
- Changes to the density of soft tissues such as breast or lung
- Fluid in certain organs such as the lung or gut
What are the benefits of X-rays?
X-rays are painless, affordable and fast, and may be all that is required in order to diagnose a condition or abnormality.
What are the risks associated with X-rays?
There is very low risk associated with having an X-ray and our advanced digital X-ray equipment ensures the minimum radiation exposure is used to produce optimal images. However, repeated tests may damage cells in the body which could lead to cancer. The dose of radiation used is always kept to a minimum.
X-rays are not recommended for pregnant women. Please let the radiographer know if you think you may be pregnant.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis