What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure commonly used to create images of the inside of the body. It’s especially effective for looking at bones and can help diagnose a wide range of conditions. X-rays are usually carried out in hospital departments by trained specialists known as radiographers.
How am I referred for an X-ray?
Once we have received your referral, which will come to us from your GP or another healthcare professional, please attend our services within six weeks of your referral date.
Where to have your X-ray
You can attend The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping, or Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford during opening times (listed below). No appointment is needed.
| Location | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow: | Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm – the last patient is accepted at 7:45pm. |
| St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping: | Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm – the last patient is accepted at 7:30pm. Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 5pm – the last patient is accepted at 4:30pm. |
| Herts and Essex Hospital, Bishop’s Stortford: | Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm – the last patient is accepted at 7:30pm. Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 5pm – the last patient is accepted at 4:30pm |
Before your X-ray
You usually don’t need to do anything special to prepare. You can eat, drink, and take your medication as normal.
Please let the hospital team know if you are pregnant or think you might be. Some X-rays are not recommended during pregnancy unless it’s an emergency, but depending on the part of the body being examined, it may still be safe. If you have any concerns, feel free to ask the radiographer on the day of your X-ray.
You may be asked to change into a gown if your clothing isn’t suitable for the scan. Try to avoid wearing jewellery or clothes with metal (such as zips or buttons), as these may need to be removed.
During the X-ray
You’ll usually be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surface, depending on which part of your body is being examined. The radiographer will carefully position the X-ray machine and operate it from behind a screen or from a nearby room.
It’s important to stay still while the X-ray is taken to avoid blurring the image. More than one X-ray may be taken from different angles to provide the most accurate information. The procedure normally takes just a few minutes.
After the X-ray
A specialist doctor called a radiologist will examine the images and send a report to your GP or the doctor who requested the scan. They will then discuss the results with you.