X-ray/Radiology is a commonly used imaging procedure directing medical x-rays to image and diagnose diseases including plain radiography, fluoroscopy and mammography.
An X-ray is a picture of the body's internal structures produced by exposing a sensitive photographic film or imaging plate to a controlled source of X-rays. Some X-ray images will be kept in digital form and shown on a computer screen.
What to expect
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Preparing for your appointment
Before your appointment. please notify the radiology department if you had a similar X-ray recently or are a woman who is or might be pregnant.
Duration
The type of X-ray and your ability to move around will determine your time with the X-ray team; taking a single X-ray will last only a few minutes. However, some examinations require that we take X-rays in different positions, and it usually takes at most 5-10 minutes. More complex imaging or the team taking x-rays of more than one body part requires more time. Count on being in the X-ray department for up to 30 minutes.
The X-ray department services the entire hospital and may be interrupted to do emergency cases before you. If there is a delay, we appreciate your patience.
Bringing a support person
They will only be permitted to accompany you into the x-ray room in exceptional circumstances. Children under 12 years are not allowed to accompany you in the room, nor are they allowed to wait unattended in the waiting room. Hospital staff is not responsible for your child while you have your x-ray.
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During the scan
Room set-up
You will be cared for by a technologist (or radiographer), and the Radiologist will examine and report on your x-ray images. Radiologists are doctors specially trained to interpret images and carry out more complex examinations. Technologists are highly trained and support Radiologists in carrying out X-rays and other imaging procedures.
The technologist will explain the procedure for your examination and show you to a private changing room where you may remove your garments. Depending on the type of x-ray required, they may ask you to put on a hospital gown.
You will be taken into the x-ray room, where you will sit/stand/lie down against an imaging plate or part of the x-ray machine. Although the technologist will go behind a screen, you will always be seen and heard. The technologist will ask you to stay still and sometimes take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.
Comfort
The scan will be overall comfortable, however, the technologist may have to physically assist you in moving your body into different positions for the X-ray, which may be briefly uncomfortable.
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Getting your scan results
A radiologist will examine the images after your visit and a written report on the findings will be sent to your referring doctor. The information is usually available in 14 days.
Urgent and Primary Care Centres
Receive urgent care at an Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC). Patients are seen in order of urgency by a family doctor, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or social worker. On-site X-ray services are also available at these locations:
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need a referral from my doctor?
Your health-care provider will need to submit a filled medical imaging requisition form to our clinic. Learn more on how to access and book an appointment for this service at a location near you -- see the list of clinics below.
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What is the difference between X-ray and an ultrasound?
X-ray uses ionizing radiation to see bones and dense tissue. Ultrasound provides a better look at soft tissues and organs. The choice between them depends on the specific type of information needed by your health-care provider.
Resources
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Medical imaging requistion form
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Guide for patients having an X-ray
Learn more on what to expect, how to prepare and more. Available in Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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Lead shields
Radiation shielding no longer needed for today's X-ray machines.
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Hysterosalpingogram
An x-ray procedure to look at the inside of the womb,or uterus,and the fallopian tubes.
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Find this service near you
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X-Ray at Bella Coola General Hospital
1025 Elcho Street Bella Coola -
X-Ray at Koerner Pavilion (UBCH)
2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver -
X-Ray at Lions Gate Hospital
231 East 15th Street North Vancouver -
Community health centresX-Ray at Pemberton Health Centre
1403 Portage Road, PO Box 8 Pemberton -
X-Ray at qathet General Hospital
5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River -
X-Ray at Richmond Hospital
7000 Westminster Highway Richmond -
X-Ray at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital
5544 Sunshine Coast Highway Sechelt -
X-Ray at Squamish General Hospital
38140 Behrner Drive Squamish -
X-Ray at Vancouver General Hospital
2775 Laurel Street Vancouver -
Community health centresX-Ray at Whistler Health Care Centre
4380 Lorimer Road Whistler -
X-Ray at ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital
88 Waglisla Street Bella Bella