X-rays Whakaata roto
X-rays are a type of radiation, similar to visible light. But x-rays have higher energy and can pass through most objects, including your body. X-ray images are like shadows created by different parts of your body.
When you would have an x-ray
X-rays are used to help diagnose lots of health conditions. They are good at showing problems with the bones and lungs.
What an x-ray shows
When an x-ray detector or plate is placed on the other side of you from the x-ray machine an image can be made.
- Air (such as in your lungs) will appear black in the image.
- Muscle, fat and fluid will appear as shades of grey.
- Dense structures such as bones will block most of the x-rays and will appear white.
How do x-rays work? — US National Institutes of Health (Youtube video)
Having an x-ray
Depending on which part of your body needs an x-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table, stand or sit in one or more particular positions.
You will need to stay very still while the x-ray is taken but it only takes a few moments.
With an x-ray of your chest or belly (abdomen), you will have to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.
The person who performs your x-ray (radiographer) and anyone with you will step out of the room while the image is taken.
The radiographer will check they have taken the correct images. They may need to take more from a different angle.
X-rays in children
Your healthcare provider may recommend an x-ray to help understand what is happening inside your child's body. KidsHealth has information on x-rays for tamarikiand how to prepare them.
Before your x-ray
Tell the radiographer if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
You will be asked to remove your watch, jewellery or clothing with metal parts if they are near the part of your body being imaged. Metal items can block out some of the image.
You may be asked to wear a gown rather than your clothing.
Results of your x-ray
A specialist doctor (radiologist) will view your x-ray images (or 'films') and write a report about what they show.
The radiologist will send their report to the healthcare provider who asked for the x-ray. They will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment, over the phone or by email or text message.
Risks of x-rays
Generally, the benefits of an x-ray are far more important than the small estimated risk of the effects of radiation.
At the radiation dose levels used in diagnostic x-rays (radiography), there is little or no evidence of health effects. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists has more detailed information about radiation risk on their website Inside Radiology.
Radiation risk of medical imaging for adults and children — Inside Radiology
Alternatives to having an x-ray
If you are pregnant and have been advised not to have an x-ray, you may be able to have an ultrasound scan. These do not usually show the same things.
Sometimes your healthcare provider will think the benefit of having the x-ray is much more than the risk. They will discuss this with you.
Referral information
You will need to be referred by your healthcare provider for an x-ray scan in the public health system. You cannot self-refer.
Some healthcare providers, including physiotherapists, may be able to refer you for an x-ray under ACC cover or if you pay privately.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a government agency that helps pay for treatment if you are injured in an accident.
The ACC provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all residents and visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand. This means if you are hurt in an accident, ACC can help no matter who caused the accident.
If you have an accident and need emergency care in a hospital, it will be covered by ACC.
ACC usually pays some of the other medical costs if you have an accident, like surgery, physiotherapy and medicines. ACC may also be able to cover some loss of earnings resulting from an accident.
I'm injured — The Accident Compensation Corporation