X-Ray Imaging Option

More Than Meets The Eyes

X-rays are a common medical imaging tool used to visualise the body's anatomy beneath the skin – this includes visualising the bones, internal soft tissues, and organs. X-rays are immensely useful in diagnosing and ruling out bone fractures, joint dislocations, and soft tissue injuries and are safe, cost-effective, and clinically effective in evaluating a person’s health.

How does X-ray work?

X-ray uses electromagnetic energy beams that are invisible and intangible to create body images when the beams pass the human body. Due to the difference in density of the bones and internal organ soft tissue of the body, the electromagnetic ray that passes the affected area will produce various shards of grey on the film for the clinician to interpret.

Generally, higher-density objects such as bones, metals, and stones can appear whiter and brighter, while soft tissues and less dense objects will be darker in the X-ray images.

What is X-ray suitable for?

Your clinician may recommend an X-ray when there are clinical indications such as:

Suspicious of fracture/joint dislocation

Possibility of soft tissue injury, inflammation or infection with symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling

Possibility of foreign body injury

Need for evaluating the anatomical structure of a person’s bone, joint, and soft tissues

Screening for infection or cancer

Suspicious of fracture/joint dislocation

Possibility of soft tissue injury, inflammation or infection with symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling

Possibility of foreign body injury

Need for evaluating the anatomical structure of a person’s bone, joint, and soft tissues

Screening for infection or cancer

What do I need to prepare before my X-ray procedure?

X-ray is a convenient medical procedure with hardly any preparation required.

To avoid interference with the X-ray imaging, you are advised to avoid or remove any external metal objects such as jewellery, hearing aids, etc. No particular dress code is required, though you are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. You will be advised to change into a dressing gown before your X-ray procedure.

If you are pregnant, you should inform your doctor or your technician, as you are advised to avoid X-rays if you are pregnant.

What should I expect during my X-ray procedure?

Professionally trained radiologist technicians usually carry out X-ray procedures. You will be advised to sit, stand, or lie down on a physical examination bed according to the location of your body required for scanning. Sometimes, your technician may facilitate you to position your body or limbs at a certain angle to obtain the necessary X-ray images.

You will be advised to stay still or hold your breath during the scanning.

The whole process usually takes 5-10 minutes.

What should I expect after my X-ray procedure?

You can go home after the procedure and continue your regular daily routine. There will be no downtime after the X-Ray procedure.

A carotid Doppler ultrasound examines the carotid arteries in the neck.

Are there any side effects after an X-ray?

No, X-rays remain among the safest and most effective medical scanning modalities in inpatient and outpatient settings. However, due to a very low risk of being exposed to radiation, pregnant women are advised to use other screening modalities, such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to evaluate their condition further.

How frequently can I do an X-ray?

There is no hard and fast rule for this question. Your clinician will discuss the clinical indication for proceeding with an X-ray with you. The benefits of the X-ray in facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of your condition will be weighed against the concurrent small risk of radiation exposure risk. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns about whether you should undergo an X-ray.

What are the common X-rays that are offered?

X-rays can be performed on various parts of the body. This makes X-rays unique, versatile, quick, and effective in assisting the physician to reach the correct diagnosis.

Chest X-ray: useful in evaluating lung abnormalities such as infection and tumour. The surrounding structures, such as the silhouette of the heart and the anatomy of the ribs, can also be seen in a chest X-ray.

Abdominal X-ray: aids in screening for kidney/bladder/gallbladder stones or blockages of the intestinal tract.

Skull/head X-ray: allows visualisation of the skull, bones on the face, and the sinus passages.

Bone/joint X-ray: effective in visualising the bone and joint structures of the upper and lower limbs. It is the main medical modality to diagnose bone fractures and joint dislocations.

Spine X-ray: allows scanning of the bony and soft tissue structure and overall spine alignment.

Depending on your clinical presentation, your doctor will recommend the type of X-ray suitable for your condition.

Abdominal X-ray: aids in screening for kidney/bladder/gallbladder stones or blockages of the intestinal tract.

Skull/head X-ray: allows visualisation of the skull, bones on the face, and the sinus passages.

Bone/joint X-ray: effective in visualising the bone and joint structures of the upper and lower limbs. It is the main medical modality to diagnose bone fractures and joint dislocations.

Spine X-ray: allows scanning of the bony and soft tissue structure and overall spine alignment.

When will I know my X-ray results?

X-Ray reports are usually fast. Depending on the clinical urgency of your medical condition, your doctor may review your X-ray results within the same day; otherwise, a routine X-ray will require a turnover time of 2-3 working days.