Urgent Chest X-ray - Important Patient Information

Introduction

You are here today because your GP has referred you urgently for a chest X-ray, as they feel your symptoms need further investigation. Some conditions may get worse if not treated promptly and quick diagnosis/treatment can lead to better outcomes for you.

What should I do before my chest X-ray?

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown before your X-ray. You may bring your own dressing gown to put over the top of the hospital gown whilst you wait for your appointment.

If you are wearing a hospital gown or your own clothes, please ensure that you remove all jewellery from your chest area before attending for your X-ray. Also please try to avoid wearing any items of clothing with buttons or metallic objects around the chest area. You may bring your own dressing gown to put over the top of the hospital gown whilst you wait for your appointment.

Expect to spend around 30 minutes in the X-ray department but waiting times do vary.

You can bring another person with you to keep you company, but they will not be able to go in to the X-ray or CT room with you.

What happens after my chest X-ray?

The radiographer who takes your chest X-ray will not be able to give you your results at the time of your X-ray, they can only advise on the next steps you need to take. Only your GP or a member of the hospital respiratory team can give you your results.

We aim to have your X-ray report available to your GP within seven calendar days. If you have not heard from your GP within the seven days of your X-ray appointment, you may wish to contact your surgery. Most patients have a normal result. While this is good news, you will need to make an appointment with your GP when you call for the result, to check if anything further is needed in relation to your existing symptoms. It is also important to go back to your GP as soon as you can, particularly if you have any concerns.

Will I need further tests?

Sometimes after a chest X-ray it might be decided that the X-ray does not provide enough information and one of the following may happen:

• You may be asked to remain in the department and have a further more detailed test called a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This may involve some waiting for the availability of the CT scanner, so it is important you are prepared for this possibility when your plan your visit to the X-ray department. If a CT scan is necessary, please expect to spend up to 1-2 hours in the CT department; or
• You may be asked by the hospital to come back and for a CT scan on another day. This will be within a few days of your chest X-ray and it is important that you attend; or
• If you have had your X-ray in a small hospital or community X-ray unit and you need a CT scan, you will be contacted and told where and when to go for this.

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of inside the body. The Radiographer who completes your CT scan will not be able to give you your results at the time of your scan.

The results will be communicated to you by a member of the respiratory team or your GP and we aim to have the results available within seven days.

You might need to have a finger prick blood test before the scan and you may need to have an injection into a vein of a dye known as ‘contrast’ prior to this investigation. If this is required it will be discussed with you.

Contacts/further information

If you have any concerns about this information or require further help or advice, please contact the respiratory clinic co-ordinator on 01223 250747. They will be able to tell you the next steps and how to receive your results.

Privacy and dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.