Frequently Asked Questions

My Doctor has sent me for a scan, which room do I visit?

A scan is used to describe a number of different types of investigation performed within an x-ray or Imaging Department. Nuclear Medicine studies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CT and Ultrasound are all termed scans in common parlance. Although your Doctor has indicated that you are to have a scan, your appointment letter will detail which type of scan you might expect.

My elderly mother has come for an x-ray but is a little confused, can I be with her when she has her x-ray?

In general we are happy for a friend or relative to accompany the patient to the examination room. Usually friends or relative are invited to wait outside while we perform the x-ray. This is to ensure that the only radiation dose you will receive is when you have an x-ray yourself. In this way the exposure of everyone to radiation is kept to a minimum. However, not infrequently, some patients are more relaxed and co-operative if they are accompanied by a friend or relative. Where this appropriate we would normally afford you protection from the radiation by ensuring that you wear a heavy lead coat.

I think I maybe pregnant, who should I tell?

You must tell the Receptionist and the Radiographer if you think you may be pregnant. Although for some investigations this is not important, it is better that we always know if there is a chance of pregnancy. The effect of x-rays on pregnancy is thought to be very slight, but if we know you are pregnant in advance we can avoid certain high dose examinations and in other circumstances shield the pregnancy from the radiation during the x-ray.

Can I return to work or to my family after the x-ray?

For most x-rays and scans there are no immediate or long term effects. For certain Nuclear Medicine studies your body may continue to give off a small radiation dose and if you are visiting the Nuclear Medicine Department you should ask if there are any special precautions that you should take. For all other x-rays and scans no particular precautions are necessary.

Will it hurt?

Impossible question to answer in general terms. Most x-rays and scans are entirely painless, although a mammogram for example can be uncomfortable and for a number of scans an injection of dye into the arm is necessary. There is usually no other discomfort. The exception to this is for so called interventional procedures. These have not been specifically described in the virtual Department because each one is different. There are information sheets for different interventional procedures prepared by our Patient Liaison Group

What is the difference between a radiographer a radiologist and a radiotherapist?

Radiologists and Radiotherapists are doctors; Radiographers are not medically trained but have had special training in the uses of x-rays. Therapy radiographers operate the machines used in radiotherapy, support and advise patients during and after treatment, and help in the planning of radiotherapy treatment. Diagnostic radiographers help in scanning and in taking x-ray pictures. Radiologists are doctors who specialise in imaging the internal structures and organs of the human body. Radiotherapists are, nowadays, called clinical oncologists. They are doctors who specialise in the treatment of cancer using drugs and/or radiation.

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