X-ray
An X-ray is a quick, painless imaging test that uses a small dose of X-rays to create pictures of the inside of the body. It is most often used to look at bones and joints — for example to check for fractures — and the chest, but also helps assess the lungs, abdomen, teeth and many other structures.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
An X-ray (radiograph) is one of the oldest and most widely used imaging tests. A small, controlled dose of X-rays passes through the body and is captured to form an image — dense structures such as bone show up white, while softer tissue and air appear in shades of grey and black. X-rays are excellent and fast for looking at bones and joints (for example, fractures, dislocations and arthritis), the chest (the lungs and heart), and the abdomen, and they are also used in dentistry. For some studies a contrast agent is given — swallowed, given as an enema or injected into a joint — to outline specific structures.
International patients are supported by a coordinator who arranges the X-ray quickly, often on the same visit as a consultation. If you bring X-ray images from abroad, our radiologists can provide a second-opinion reading so a recent, good-quality film may not need repeating, and you receive a clear, personalised cost estimate in advance.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a suspected broken bone, dislocation or joint problem after injury
- Patients with chest symptoms such as a cough, breathlessness or chest infection
- Those being assessed for arthritis, bone or joint disease
- Patients with abdominal symptoms, such as suspected bowel obstruction or swallowed objects
- People needing dental X-rays before or during treatment
- Patients needing a contrast study of the bowel, urinary tract or a joint
What happens
- 1
Preparation
Most plain X-rays need no preparation. You remove jewellery, glasses or any metal items from the area being imaged and may change into a gown. Always tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant, as the area may need protecting or the test reconsidered.
- 2
During the scan
The radiographer positions you carefully — standing, sitting or lying — against the detector, and may ask you to hold still or briefly hold your breath for a chest X-ray. The exposure lasts only a fraction of a second and is completely painless; several views may be taken from different angles.
- 3
Contrast studies
For some examinations a contrast agent is used to highlight specific structures — for example, swallowed or given as an enema for the digestive tract, or injected into a joint (arthrogram). The team explains exactly what to expect for these studies, which take a little longer.
- 4
Afterwards & results
There is no recovery time and you can return to normal activity immediately. A radiologist reviews the images, and for many X-rays an initial result is available the same day, with a full written report usually ready within 24 hours for your doctor to discuss with you.
Benefits
- Very fast and widely available, making it ideal for injuries and urgent assessment
- Excellent and clear for imaging bones, joints and the chest
- Painless, non-invasive and needs no recovery time
- Uses a small radiation dose for most studies
- Often allows a result on the same day and can guide immediate treatment
Risks & considerations
- Uses ionising radiation; the dose for a plain X-ray is small and tests are only done when justified
- Generally avoided in pregnancy unless essential, with shielding used where appropriate
- Shows limited soft-tissue detail, so CT, MRI or ultrasound may be needed for organs, ligaments or the brain
- Contrast agents used in some studies can rarely cause an allergic reaction
- A normal X-ray does not always rule out a problem, and a further test is sometimes recommended
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Radiology & Imaging Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
X-ray — frequently asked questions
The price depends on the body area, the number of views and whether a contrast study is needed. We provide a clear, personalised estimate before your visit and confirm exactly what is included.
Yes. If you bring or send your X-ray images and report, our radiologists can give a second-opinion reading. A recent, good-quality X-ray often does not need to be repeated, saving you time and an extra dose of radiation.
A plain X-ray uses only a small dose of ionising radiation — for many studies comparable to a few days of natural background radiation. The dose is kept as low as possible and an X-ray is only recommended when it will genuinely help your care.
X-rays are generally avoided in pregnancy unless they are essential. Always tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant, so the area can be shielded or an alternative test such as ultrasound considered.
No. The X-ray itself is completely painless and the exposure lasts only a fraction of a second. You may simply need to hold a particular position or briefly hold your breath while the image is taken.
For many X-rays an initial result is available the same day, and a full written report from the radiologist is usually ready within 24 hours for your treating doctor to review with you.
Related treatments
Considering x-ray?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.