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What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a quick imaging test that uses a small dose of radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body.
A short pulse of X-rays passes through the part of your body being examined and is captured by a digital detector on the other side. Different tissues absorb the radiation differently, which is why the resulting picture shows bones as bright white, air as black, and soft tissues in shades of grey.
The scan itself takes a fraction of a second. Most of your appointment time is taken up with positioning and changing.
What an X-ray can help find
Your GP, dentist or specialist may refer you for an X-ray to investigate or monitor things like:
- Suspected fractures or dislocations after an injury or fall
- Joint pain or swelling, such as the knee, hip, shoulder or ankle
- Chest symptoms like a persistent cough, chest pain, or suspected pneumonia
- Abdominal symptoms such as possible bowel obstruction or a swallowed object
- Spinal assessment for back or neck pain
- Pre- or post-operative checks, for example confirming the position of a tube or line
- Routine monitoring of a known condition
If you're not sure why you've been referred, give us a call. We can help explain what the scan is looking for and what happens next.
Types of X-ray we offer
Your referring doctor will tell you which type of X-ray you need. The most common ones we provide:
- Chest X-ray (CXR)
Lungs, heart, ribs and diaphragm. Used for cough, chest pain, suspected pneumonia, and pre-operative checks. - Abdominal X-ray
Bowel and abdominal cavity. Used for suspected bowel obstruction or to locate a swallowed object. - Spine X-ray
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar or full spine. Used for back or neck pain, injury or scoliosis. - Pelvis & hip X-ray
Pelvis, hip joints and sacrum. Used for hip pain, fall injuries and arthritis assessment. - Upper limb X-ray
Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand or finger. Used for fractures, sprains and joint pain. - Lower limb X-ray
Knee, ankle, foot, toes or full leg. Used for injuries, sports trauma and joint pain. - Skull & facial X-ray
Skull, facial bones, sinuses and nasal bones. Used for facial injury and sinus assessment. - Dental & jaw X-ray
OPG (orthopantomogram), lateral cephalogram and bitewings. Often referred by your dentist or orthodontist. - Weight-bearing joint X-ray
Standing knee, ankle or foot X-rays to assess joint space and alignment under load. - Pre-employment X-ray
Chest X-ray for visa, employment or insurance medical assessments. A referral is still required.
5 to 15 minutes
Time at the clinic
No preparation
Walk-ins welcome with a referral
No sedation
Drive yourself home
What to expect on the day
- Check in
Bring your referral and Medicare card. Most X-rays don't need an appointment, but booking ahead means a shorter wait. - Getting ready
You may be asked to change into a gown and to remove jewellery, watches or metal items from the area being scanned. Metal shows up brightly on X-rays and can hide what we're looking for. - Positioning
The radiographer (the imaging technician) will help you stand, sit or lie in the right position depending on the part of the body being imaged. You may need a few different positions to get the views your doctor needs. - The scan
You'll be asked to stay still for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken. For a chest X-ray, you'll usually be asked to take a deep breath in and hold it briefly. You won't feel the X-rays. - You're done
That's it. Get changed and you can go straight back to your day. The radiologist reads the images and a report goes to your referring doctor, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Tell us before your scan if you:
- Are pregnant, think you might be, or are breastfeeding
- Have had recent X-rays of the same area (so we don't repeat them unnecessarily)
- Have any metal implants near the area being scanned
- Are unable to stand or move into the positions needed
These details help us plan your scan safely and avoid unnecessary repeats. Your referring doctor and our radiologist will decide how best to proceed.
Preparation
Most X-rays don't need any special preparation. Eat, drink and take your medications as usual.
What to wear Loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips, buttons or underwire near the area being scanned. You may be asked to change into a gown.
Remove metal Take off jewellery, watches, hairpins, hearing aids, or anything metal near the area being imaged. Leave valuables at home if you can.
What to bring
- Your referral letter from your GP, dentist or specialist
- Medicare card, and private health card if you have one
- Any previous X-rays or imaging reports of the same area
- A list of your current medications
- Glasses or hearing aids if you use them
What it looks like
An illustration of the room and the equipment.
Cost and results
- What it costs
Most X-rays are bulk-billed through Medicare with a valid referral. We confirm the exact cost when you book.
Read our billing information - How you'll see results
Your report and images are sent electronically to your referring doctor, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Access the patient portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare for an X-ray?
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For most X-rays, no. Eat, drink and take your medications as usual. Wear comfortable clothing and remove jewellery or metal items near the area being imaged.
Does an X-ray hurt?
You won't feel the X-rays. Some positions may be a little uncomfortable for a few seconds if you're injured or sore, and we'll position you as gently as we can.
Is an X-ray safe?
X-rays use a low dose of radiation. The benefit of getting a clear diagnosis usually outweighs the small risk. Please tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be, so we can use the right safeguards or consider whether a different test would be better.
How long does it take?
Most X-rays take only 5 to 15 minutes from when you walk in to when you walk out. The X-ray exposure itself is over in a fraction of a second.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. X-rays need a referral from your GP, dentist, specialist or allied health professional. You can book before you have it. Bring the original on the day, or a photo of it on your phone.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome for most X-rays with a referral, and booking ahead can mean less time in the waiting room.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Yes. X-rays don't use sedation or contrast dye in most cases, so you can drive, return to work, or carry on with whatever you had planned.
What if I'm pregnant?
Tell us before your appointment if you're pregnant or think you might be. We may use a lead apron to shield your tummy, or in some cases consider a different test, such as an ultrasound. Your referring doctor and our radiologist will decide what's most appropriate.
How is an X-ray different from a CT scan?
An X-ray gives one flat image and uses a small dose of radiation. A CT scan uses more radiation but produces hundreds of cross-sectional pictures that show much more detail. Your doctor chooses the right test for the question they're trying to answer.
Ready to book?
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Visit us
M-City Shopping Centre, Shop T03, Ground Floor, 2107-2125 Princes Highway, Clayton VIC 3168
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1300 101 695
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Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: By appointment only (select dates)
Saturday: By appointment only (select dates)
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