Chest x-rays are a common test that you may be asked to have when you visit your Tuberculosis (TB) Service. Chest x-rays are used to look for evidence of TB disease in your lungs.
Chest x-rays are safe and painless. If you are pregnant you should tell the nurse or radiographer before you have a chest x-ray.
There are several possible reasons that you may have been asked to have a chest x-ray:
The amount of radiation used in x-rays is small. The amount of radiation you are exposed to by having an x-ray is similar to that received by taking a 10-15 hour plane flight. It is not dangerous for you to have regular chest x-rays. In fact, it is more dangerous for you and the community if you do have a problem with your lungs and it is not detected early by x-ray.
If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, please tell the nurse in the clinic and the radiographer before your x-ray. In most cases, the x-ray can be delayed until after the baby is born. However, if it is still necessary to have a chest x-ray while pregnant, a special lead shield will be put around your body to protect your baby from the x-rays.
Breastfeeding mothers can safely continue to feed their baby without risk to their milk or the baby.
If your radiographer is a male and your religion does not permit you to be in the room with him on your own, please ask for a female member of staff to be present.
While the x-ray is being taken, you will be asked to take a deep breath in and hold it while the x-ray picture is taken. You should also remain still.
After the chest x-ray is taken, you will be asked to wait until the radiographer ensures that the picture has printed satisfactorily. Unless you need to wait to see a doctor or to have other tests, you will then be told that you can leave the clinic.
The x-ray will be given to a doctor to be reported on. It may sometimes take a few days for it to be reported on. The person who takes your x-ray (radiographer) does not report on x-rays and so cannot give you your result.
After your chest x-ray is reported on, a decision is made as to whether you will require further x-rays, check-ups or treatment. Each individual case is different and so questions on your follow-up cannot always be answered until the x-ray is reviewed.
If a significant problem is seen on your chest x-ray, you will be contacted immediately and asked to return to the clinic for a doctor’s review and/or further tests.
To find your local TB service, visit Accessing your local TB service.