X-rays are a widely used, non-invasive diagnostic tool, primarily for detecting issues such as bone fractures and lung infections. No special preparation is required for most X-ray exams, and the process is quick and efficient.
At VisitHealth, X-ray scans can be done both in the clinic or at home, and they’re available for people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
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If you don’t have a referral or you need urgent care, just walk in and the VisitHealth GP will assess you and provide a referral if needed. From there, the X-ray can be immediately done on-site.
If you already have a referral, you can book an X-ray at the clinic or request an at-home X-ray. For a scan at home, our GP can accompany the X-ray technician, assess your condition, and proceed with the X-ray.
There’s no special preparation required for most X-rays. You simply come in and get the scan done. X-rays are typically used to check for bone injuries or conditions like chest infections, and for these, no eating restrictions or other preparation are necessary. Unlike other diagnostic tests, X-rays don’t involve the digestive system or any area that would require you to refrain from eating.
So you can just show up and get the X-ray done. It’s straightforward and quick.
Yes, it’s essential to remove all jewellery, watches, and metal objects before an X-ray. Metal can interfere with the imaging process and cause artefacts, which are distortions on the X-ray film. These artefacts can blur the image and make it harder for the radiologist to get a clear picture, and might even lead to having to rebook the scan. To avoid this, it's best to remove all metal in advance, so the scan can be done accurately the first time.
Pregnant women should generally avoid X-rays because radiation can pose a risk to the developing baby. While the amount of radiation from a single X-ray is low, it’s still enough that doctors prefer to avoid exposing pregnant women to it unless absolutely necessary. If the diagnostic information is critical, such as in cases of severe trauma or urgent medical conditions, an X-ray might be done, but these cases are rare. The decision comes down to weighing the potential risks to the baby against the importance of the information the X-ray would provide.
No, fasting is not required before most X-ray scans. Unlike other tests that call for an empty stomach, standard X-rays don’t. The purpose of the X-ray is to capture a clear image of bones or organs, and eating beforehand doesn’t affect that.
In most cases, you’ll be asked to remove your clothing for the X-ray, particularly if the area being scanned is covered by fabric. Clothing, especially with zippers, buttons, and metal fastenings can distort the X-ray image. Depending on what part of your body is being scanned, the technician might ask you to wear a gown.
Yes, it’s very important to inform the doctor or technician if you have any implants, previous surgeries, or medical devices like metal plates, pins, or joint replacements. These can affect the scan. The technician needs to know so they can adjust the procedure accordingly, ensuring that the X-ray captures the area properly without interference from the metal in your body.
While there is some radiation exposure with X-rays, it’s minimal and comparable to the amount you would receive from a short plane flight. The level of radiation from a standard X-ray is quite low, especially with modern equipment that uses very narrow, focused beams. In fact, the radiation is so minimal that most patients don’t require additional protective measures like lead aprons. The risk is generally outweighed by the benefit of obtaining accurate diagnostic information that could be crucial for treatment. Portable X-ray machines, like those used for home visits, expose patients to even lower levels of radiation compared to the larger machines found in clinics.
VisitHealth launched in 2017, specialising in nurse-led home care. We have since grown into a new breed of health clinic, delivering a wide range of on-demand healthcare services, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
X-rays are most commonly used to assess bone and joint injuries and to rule out fractures after an accident. Another frequent use is to examine the lungs, often to detect or rule out conditions like pneumonia. If you’ve had a fall and suspect you’ve broken a bone, for example, an X-ray will help confirm whether there’s a fracture. Similarly, if you’ve been experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough or shortness of breath, an X-ray can check for lung issues.
At VisitHealth, we offer both in-clinic and at-home X-rays. Our portable X-ray equipment allows us to come to you, so there’s no need to travel if you’re in pain or can’t leave home. This service is available for both children and adults. It’s important to note, however, that X-rays require a doctor’s referral. You’ll need to undergo an initial examination to determine whether an X-ray is the right diagnostic tool for your situation, as X-rays involve radiation exposure, which should be justified.
X-rays require a referral from a doctor who decides whether they’re the right tool for diagnosis, taking into account the radiation exposure. Though the radiation from X-rays is minimal, a scan must be justified and prescribed by a doctor.
X-rays are a widely used, non-invasive diagnostic tool, primarily used for detecting bone fractures, lung infections, and other injuries. No special preparation is required for most appointments, and the process is quick and efficient.
If you are carrying metal objects like jewellery, you’ll be asked to remove them before the X-ray, as they can interfere with the images. It's also important to inform the technician about any implants or previous surgeries, as some metal implants may require special considerations.
For pregnant women, X-rays are generally avoided unless absolutely necessary because of the potential risks to the unborn child from radiation exposure. In these cases, the decision about whether to proceed weighs the diagnostic benefits with the risks involved.
X-rays are safe, and while there is a small amount of radiation exposure, it’s comparable to everyday sources, such as flying in an airplane. Portable X-ray machines used for at-home visits provide the same diagnostic quality as clinic-based machines, but with lower radiation exposure.