X-ray
A quick, usually not painful imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body, most often to look at bones, the chest or the lungs.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- An X-ray is a quick, usually not painful test using a small amount of radiation, best for looking at bones, the chest and lungs.
- A normal X-ray does not rule out every problem — soft tissues and some conditions may not show, so further tests are sometimes needed.
- The radiation dose is small; a chest X-ray is comparable to only a few days of natural background radiation, and doses are kept as low as possible.
- Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant, so they can decide whether to proceed, wait, or use a different test.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your radiologist will give you advice for your situation.
Quickly shows many fractures, chest and bone problems.
When the question is about soft tissue or early changes that plain X-ray cannot show, where ultrasound, CT or MRI is the right test.
You keep still, sometimes holding your breath for a moment. You feel nothing. It usually takes only seconds per image.
A clear route to your written report and who will explain it.
You keep still, sometimes holding your breath for a moment. You feel nothing. It usually takes only seconds per...
You can go home and carry on as normal. There is no radiation left in your body after a standard X-ray.
You may be advised to drink plenty of fluids; barium can make stools pale and cause mild constipation for a day or...
Some results are available the same day; often a radiologist's written report reaches your doctor within a few...
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a common imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. Dense tissues like bone show up clearly, which is why X-rays are so useful for checking for broken bones, as well as looking at the chest, lungs and many other problems.
The test is quick and usually not painful. A machine sends X-rays through the part of your body being examined, and a detector on the other side captures an image. You feel nothing during it.
X-rays are very good at showing some things, such as fractures and certain chest and bone conditions, but they cannot show everything. Soft tissues, early changes and some conditions may not appear, so a normal X-ray does not always rule out a problem, and other tests such as ultrasound, CT or MRI are sometimes needed.
The radiation dose from a typical X-ray is small. A chest X-ray, for example, gives a dose comparable to only a few days of the natural background radiation we are all exposed to. Doses are kept as low as reasonably possible, and the benefit of getting the right diagnosis is weighed against the very small risk.
Types, options & approaches
There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.
Options at a glance
These are the main approaches described in this guide. The right option depends on the diagnosis, your goals and what your clinician thinks is safe.
Chest X-ray
Looks at the lungs, heart outline and chest. Used for cough, breathlessness, chest infections and many other reasons. One of the lowest-dose X-rays.
Bone and joint X-ray
Checks for fractures, dislocations, arthritis and bone problems. Often the first test after an injury.
Abdominal X-ray
Looks at the tummy area, for example for bowel obstruction or certain stones. Gives a higher dose than a chest X-ray.
Dental X-ray
Very low-dose images of the teeth and jaw, used by dentists to check for decay and other problems.
Preparing for your scan
- Most X-rays need little or no preparation — you can usually eat and drink normally.
- Tell staff if you are, or might be, pregnant before the X-ray.
- You may be asked to remove jewellery, metal items or clothing with zips near the area being X-rayed, and to wear a gown.
- Mention any recent similar scans, so tests are not unnecessarily repeated.
- For some contrast studies you may be given specific instructions, such as not eating beforehand.
- Bring any request form or referral details with you.
- Ask the staff anything you are unsure about, including why the X-ray is needed.
What happens
An X-ray is usually very quick. A radiographer positions the part of your body being examined against or near the detector, and the X-ray machine is lined up. You will be asked to keep still, and sometimes to hold your breath for a chest X-ray, for a second or two.
The radiographer usually steps behind a screen to take the image, then may take pictures from more than one angle. You feel nothing as the image is taken. The whole appointment often takes only a few minutes, and you can go home straight away.
For contrast studies, you may swallow, or be given, a contrast agent first, and the test may take a little longer. The images are reviewed by a radiologist, who sends a report to the doctor who requested the test.
Is this scan right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- When the question is about soft tissue or early changes that plain X-ray cannot show, where ultrasound, CT or MRI is the right test.
- Routine repeat X-rays with no clinical change, which add dose without benefit.
- X-rays of the abdomen or pelvis in pregnancy unless genuinely necessary.
- Whole-body 'screening' X-rays in people with no symptoms, which are not recommended.
Delay or rearrange if…
- You are or might be pregnant, especially for tummy or pelvic X-rays, until this is checked.
- A recent identical X-ray already answers the question.
- You are too unwell to be positioned safely, until you are stabilised.
- Specific preparation for a contrast study has not been completed.
Alternatives to discuss
- Ultrasound, which uses no radiation, for many soft-tissue and abdominal questions.
- MRI, which uses no radiation, for detailed soft-tissue, joint or spinal imaging.
- CT, when more detail is needed (higher radiation dose than plain X-ray).
- Clinical assessment and watchful waiting where imaging would not change management.
- No imaging if the result would not alter your care.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Benefits
- Quickly shows many fractures, chest and bone problems.
- Usually not painful, fast and widely available.
- Uses a relatively small radiation dose for the information it gives.
- Helps guide treatment, such as setting a broken bone.
- Can reassure when results are normal, in the right context.
- Often the sensible first test before deciding whether more detailed imaging is needed.
Risks & complications
- Mild inconvenience, such as removing clothing or holding an awkward position briefly.
- A normal result that does not fully explain your symptoms, sometimes needing further tests.
- Occasionally a repeat image is needed if the first is unclear.
- Incidental findings — something unexpected that may need more tests, even if harmless.
- Contrast studies can cause temporary effects, such as a taste, bloating or, with barium, constipation.
- Missing a problem that does not show up on plain X-ray.
- A very small increase in lifetime cancer risk from the radiation, which rises with the number and type of X-rays.
- Allergic reaction to a contrast agent, where one is used.
- Risk to a pregnancy from abdominal/pelvic X-rays, which is why pregnancy is checked first.
The radiation dose from most X-rays is small — a chest X-ray is comparable to only a few days of natural background radiation, while a CT or some abdominal studies give more. The dose adds up over many tests, so X-rays should only be done when they will help. Always tell staff if you are or might be pregnant, especially for X-rays of the tummy or pelvis.
Published figures to discuss
X-ray radiation doses are small and are usually described by comparison with natural background radiation rather than as a precise cancer risk, because individual risk is very low and hard to quantify. A chest X-ray gives roughly a few days' worth of background radiation; abdominal X-rays and CT give more. The main practical issues are incidental findings, the chance a normal result does not explain symptoms, and the occasional need to repeat an unclear image.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiation dose, chest X-ray | Comparable to a few days of natural background radiation (around 0.014–0.02 mSv versus a UK average of about 2.7 mSv per year) | Doses vary by body part and equipment; abdominal X-rays and CT give substantially more. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Cancer risk from a single plain X-ray | Very low for most plain films | The scan should still be justified, especially in children and pregnancy. | Royal College of Radiologists — Benefits and risks of imaging (patient information)rcr.ac.ukSource-linked context |
| Occult fracture despite normal X-ray | Recognised, especially scaphoid, hip, rib and stress fractures | Persistent focal pain or inability to weight-bear may need repeat imaging, CT or MRI. | Royal College of Radiologists — Benefits and risks of imaging (patient information)rcr.ac.ukSource-linked context |
| Incidental finding | Uncommon to common depending on body part | Unexpected findings may need comparison with old images or further tests. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
What happens afterwards
There is no physical recovery from a standard X-ray. You can return to normal activities immediately. You may need to wait a short time for the images to be reviewed and a report sent to your doctor.
- No physical after-effects from a standard X-ray.
- Carrying on with your day immediately.
- A short wait for the report to reach your doctor.
- Mild, short-lived effects only after some contrast studies.
Aftercare
- Resume normal activities straight away after a standard X-ray.
- After a barium study, drink plenty of fluids and expect pale stools for a day or two.
- Make sure you know how and when you will get your results.
- Keep any follow-up appointment arranged to discuss the findings.
- Mention this X-ray at future appointments so tests are not repeated unnecessarily.
- Contact your doctor if you develop new or worsening symptoms while awaiting results.
- Your request form or referral details.
- A note of any recent similar scans.
- Removed jewellery and metal items before the X-ray.
- Clarity on whether you are or might be pregnant.
- Knowing how and when you will receive results.
- Any contrast-study instructions followed.
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- Signs of an allergic reaction after a contrast agent — rash, swelling, wheeze or breathing difficulty (call 999 if severe).
- Severe or worsening symptoms while waiting for results — seek medical advice.
- Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or no bowel movement after a barium study.
- Any new chest pain, severe breathlessness or collapse — call 999.
- Realising after the test that you may be pregnant — tell your doctor or the imaging department.
- Not receiving your results in the expected time — chase them up.
Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your radiologist gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
A normal X-ray, in the right clinical context, can be reassuring, and a clear abnormal finding (such as a fracture) helps guide treatment quickly. A radiologist usually reviews the images and sends a written report to the doctor who requested the test.
An X-ray cannot show everything. Soft tissues, very early changes and some conditions may not appear, so a normal X-ray does not rule out every problem. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside your symptoms and examination, and may arrange further tests if needed.
An X-ray is a snapshot in time. It reflects your body on the day it was taken, so a new or repeat X-ray may be needed if symptoms change or to monitor a condition or healing. Because each X-ray adds a small radiation dose, repeats should be done only when they will add useful information.
Related tests, treatments or support
X-rays are often used alongside or before other tests. For example, a chest X-ray may be followed by a CT scan, or a bone X-ray by an MRI, if more detail is needed. Your doctor chooses the test that best answers the clinical question while keeping radiation as low as reasonable.
Follow-up & long-term care
Follow-up depends on the result. You may be given results at the appointment, by your GP, or at a later clinic visit. Ask who will explain the report, when, and what the next step is if the X-ray is normal, abnormal or unclear.
Repeat, follow-on and what comes next
- An unclear image sometimes needs repeating.
- A normal X-ray may need to be followed by ultrasound, CT or MRI.
- Monitoring a condition or healing may require repeat X-rays over time.
- Incidental findings can lead to further tests.
Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.
What good aftercare looks like
- A clear route to your written report and who will explain it.
- A plan for next steps if the result is normal, abnormal or unclear.
- Sensible use of dose, avoiding unnecessary repeats.
- Clear follow-up of any incidental findings.
- Advice on what to do if symptoms worsen while awaiting results.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- The type and number of X-ray views needed.
- Whether a contrast agent or contrast study is involved.
- The reporting radiologist's fee and how quickly a report is provided.
- The facility or clinic fee.
- Whether a follow-up consultation to explain results is included.
- Whether further imaging (such as CT or MRI) is then recommended.
- The radiographer/facility fee and the radiologist's reporting fee.
- How many views are included and the cost of any extra views.
- Any contrast agent cost, if relevant.
- How and when you will receive the written report.
- Whether a consultation to discuss results is included.
- What happens, and any cost, if further tests are recommended.
On the NHS? X-rays are widely available on the NHS when a doctor decides one is needed; private X-rays may be used for speed or convenience, but should still only be done when clinically justified.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Not being told the X-ray may be normal yet not rule out the problem.
- Pregnancy not being checked before X-rays of the tummy or pelvis.
- No clear plan for who explains the report and when.
- Repeat or 'just in case' X-rays done without a clear reason.
- Incidental findings not being explained or followed up.
Marketing red flags
- Offering whole-body or 'screening' X-rays to healthy people with no symptoms.
- Implying an X-ray can rule out all serious disease.
- Downplaying or not mentioning radiation dose.
- Encouraging frequent repeat X-rays without clinical need.
- Promising instant diagnosis without proper radiologist reporting.
Choosing a specialist safely
- Check the radiologist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
- You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the radiologist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good radiologist will welcome every one of these.
- Why do I need this X-ray, and what will the result change?
- What happens if it is normal, abnormal or unclear?
- Is there a test without radiation that would answer the question as well?
- How does the dose compare with everyday background radiation?
- Could I be pregnant, and does that change what we should do?
- How and when will I get my results?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the radiologist who carries out my scan, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this scan not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Is an X-ray available on the NHS?
How much radiation does an X-ray give?
Does an X-ray hurt?
Can I have an X-ray if I am pregnant?
Will the X-ray show what is wrong?
How soon will I get my results?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: NHS — X-ray UKHSA / GOV.UK — Ionising radiation: dose comparisons GOV.UK — Patient dose information: guidance Royal College of Radiologists — Benefits and risks of imaging (patient information) iRefer — Making the best use of clinical radiology (Royal College of Radiologists)
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
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