X-Ray

The Sefton Suite has a state of the art imaging department providing our patients and referring doctors with a comprehensive range of investigations to cater for our patients’ individual needs. Our consultants have access to some of the most advanced technology available.

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.

 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.

• 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.

X-rays are painless, affordable and fast, and may be all that is required in order to diagnose a condition or abnormality.

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.