Chest X-Ray | Lung Health | Welbeck

When combined with other test results, a chest X-ray can help your consultant make a diagnosis and guide the right treatment. 

An X-ray is a painless and noninvasive test, so you won’t need any anaesthetic. It can last from a few minutes up to 20 minutes, depending on the number of images needed.

Here’s what will happen during a chest X-ray:

1. You may need to remove all or some of your clothing and/or put on a gown.

2. You’ll be asked to remove all jewellery and metal accessories, such as hair clips and piercings that cover the area of interest.

3. The radiographer will help you get into a position that allows the image to be taken. This may be sitting or standing. 

4. The radiographer will move the X-ray machine into position.

5. The radiographer will stand behind a screen to take the images. You won’t feel anything when this happens.

6. You’ll need to keep very still when the images are being taken. You’ll be asked to take a deep breath in and hold it. You will be advised to breathe normally after the image is taken.

7. When the radiographer has taken sufficient images, the test is complete, and you’ll be able to get dressed.

You’ll be able to go home straight away after your X-ray if you have no other tests in the centre.

In general, the radiation dose from an X-ray is very low. A chest X-ray gives a very small amount of radiation, about the same as you would naturally be exposed to over a few days to a week, or similar to taking a flight across the Atlantic. It’s important to note that the dose is highly dependent on your size. The risk of cancer from an X-ray occurring many years later is very small.

X-rays in pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, or there’s a chance you may be, let the team know. X-rays aren’t usually recommended for pregnant women, unless it’s an emergency or there’s no alternative option.

You don’t need to prepare for a chest X-ray. Just remove jewellery or metal objects and wear a gown if asked. 

A chest X-ray is a quick and painless test, so no aftercare is needed, and you can return to your normal activities straight away.

A consultant radiologist will evaluate the resulting image or images from your X-ray and report their findings back to you at a follow-up appointment.

Please contact our Lung Health centre or Imaging & Diagnostics centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our radiologists and radiographers are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an X-ray, you must be referred by a doctor. On rare occasions, some non-medical referrers can request X-rays. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a lung health specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.