General X-Ray

An X-ray, or a radiograph, is a medical imaging technique that uses radiation, in the form of X-rays, to produce a two-dimensional, medically-diagnostic image.

Our high performance X-ray machines are great in assessing fractures, cardiac contours, spine, the lungs and soft tissue.

A Radiographer (Medical Imaging technologist) will call out your name in our waiting room and guide you to the examination room. A detailed explanation of the procedure will be given to you, including any changing instructions, positioning and breathing instructions.

During your X-ray examination, it is of high importance that you remain as still as possible and listen very carefully for any breathing instructions. As any movement during the X-ray will result in a blurry X-ray image, which may have to be repeated.

After the X-ray images are taken, the radiographer will assess them to ensure they are of a high diagnostic quality. Occasionally, further X-ray images are taken to ensure sufficient information is included. Once your X-ray examination is complete, the X-ray images are sent to our Radiologist (Specialist doctors), who carefully review the images and produce a report that is sent to your referring doctor. The report will include any findings or diagnoses.

Typically, an x-ray examination can take between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the body part and the reason your doctor has requested the scan.

No appointment is required for an X-ray examination. So, feel free to come into one of our clinics when it is most convenient for you.

At Focus Radiology, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver high quality and accessible services within the health system using Bulk billing. This means that there will be no out of pocket expense for your X-ray examination if you have a Medicare card and a doctor’s referral with you. As it will be bulk-billed.

If you have a referral to another imaging practice or organisation, we can still assist you as we put you, the patient first, and accept all referrals. If in doubt, please seek advice from your referring medical professional.

No specific preparation instructions are required for your X-ray examination. However, remember to bring your request form or referral letter from your doctor to our clinic, as an X-ray cannot be taken without it.

Depending on the X-ray examination, you may be provided with a gown to wear instead of your own clothes. This is because metal, such as zips, clips, watches, keys, coins, jewellery or metal in the clothing materials and prints itself will show up on the X-ray image. You may also be provided with a special lead lined apron or a small lead-shield may be placed on body-areas not requiring an X-ray.

Please inform the Radiographer if there is any chance you might be pregnant.

X-rays are considered safe and doses used are unlikely to cause any risks. X-rays are a form of ionising radiation and we are exposed to some level of radiation in our everyday life.

To put things in perspective, a single chest X-ray image is typically equivalent to 10 days of normal background radiation.
The risks associated with ionising radiation includes:

• A small increase in the risk of developing cancer . This low risk is outweighed by the benefit of the scan itself.
• A small risk of malformation or cancer to an unborn child if you are in your first trimester of pregnancy during the scan

Our specialist radiologists will report the findings of the scans and send them to your doctor within 24 hours. It is very important to follow up with your doctor so that they can explain the results to you.